Archive for August, 2010
History of the Icelandic Sheepdog
Source: Icelandic Sheepdog International
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a spitz that originated in Scandinavia.
Dogs found in graves in Denmark and Sweden from about 8000 B.C. bear much resemblance with the Icelandic Sheepdog.
As Norwegian Vikings set out to sea and colonized Iceland in 874, they brought their dogs with them. Throughout the years other breeds were only imported in small numbers, and since 1901 it has been forbidden to bring animals into Iceland, so the breed has to some extend remained pretty much the same since the Vikings settled down.
Epidemics, hunger periods and natural disasters have made life very harsh at times in Iceland, resulting in a breed that is tough and enduring .
The number of dogs has varied a lot over time. From the days of Ólaf Tryggvarsson (10th century) we have a written account telling about a famine that had quite seriuos consequenses for the dogs on the island: to remedy the situation a decision is made to kill all old folks and cripples, as they eat, but do not work.
The chief, Arnor Kærlingenef from Miklebø in Oslandshil has been among those in favour of this, but he is persuaded by his mother to rethink his decision. And after some discussion the decision is altered in favour of reducing the number of dogs and horses, which he announces in this speech:
“And no less shall this malpractice be done with, which has becomme common in these parts, that you feed dogs in such great numbers that many men could live on the food that they eat. Now we must kill these dogs, so that few or none shall live, and use the food previously given to the dogs to feed the people.”
Throughout the years the dogs have been looked upon in different ways. Sometimes hated, sometimes loved. A danish scientist, Peder Hansen Resen, gives this account in his description of Iceland in the 17th century: “Dogs are so much the joy of the natives, that hardly any are seen without being accompanied by a dog.”
A couple of hundred years later, another dane, Dr. Krabbe, visiting Iceland in 1880, gives this interesting account:
“Dogs may be indespensible for the Icelander, but they also do much harm. They act as hosts for several species of intestinal worms, whose offspring can be transferred to humans and other animals, causing diseases among sheep and “liver-disease” in humans. This disease is so widespread that every 40th individual sufferes from it. It spreads mainly because of poor sanitary conditions, and because the number of dogs is so great.
The dog population varies in size, in 1855-56 an epidemic reduced the number of dogs greatly, and it has been said that as much as a cow or a couple of sheep was the price of a dog.
Now they are found in such great numbers that 2-5 dogs are found on each farm, sometimes even more. A priest told me that he had at least 12 dogs in his household that had come in the company of churchgoers and had been left behind. According to the icelanders it is not uncommon to have the service disturbed by dogs that run about and fight at the cemetary.”
Dr. Krabbe ends his account by recommending cut downs in the vast number of dogs in Iceland.
The “original” Icelandic Sheepdog survived only in very remote and isolated places, as other herding dogs where imported during the years in order to improve the herding instincts, and as the dog population as a whole was not looked kindly upon by the authorities, when the hygiene was taken more seriously.
As it is often the case it took another foreigner, the englishman Mark Watson, to open the icelanders’ eyes to the qualities of the original dog. Mr. Watson visited Iceland on many occasions between 1930 and 1970. In the 50′es he collected some of the best specimens to take abroad and breed in California. This aroused some concerned icelanders, and partly in collaboration with Watson, they started breeding on a small handful of carefully selected dogs.
With the foundation of the Icelandic Kennel Club in 1969 the main purpose was to watch over the Icelandic Sheepdog. The dog was seen as part of Icelands cultural heritage, and work is now being done to encourage sound breeding, and to seek out “new” dogs in remote locations.
With approximately 5000 individuals registered worldwide (mainly in Scandinavia and northern Europe), the Icelandic Sheepdog is not a numerous breed, but is no longer on the brink of extinction.
Huckleberry Season is Here!
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are right in the thick of huckleberry season, that marvelous time of year when the Northwest’s favorite berry is ripe and ready for the plucking!
Huckleberries are a delicious, blueberry-like fruit that can range in color from deep crimson to dark purple. Because huckleberry bushes yield a small amount of fruit compared to other berry bushes, they are rarely grown by farmers. Most huckleberries are handpicked in the wild and sold in local stores and farmer’s markets, or harvested for specific companies that use the berries to make syrups, jams, jellies, and other tasty treats. Many huckleberries grow in high elevations on the slopes of mountains. There are dozens of varieties, but the most sought after is the black huckleberry, which yields its sweetest fruit at elevations of 3000 to 6000 feet.
The huckleberry has great cultural significance for the local Native Americans: the Yakamas used them as a major food source for centuries, and still uses them in feasts and religious ceremonies today. For others in the Pacific Northwest, this berry is quite beloved, spawning numerous Huckleberry Festivals in small towns across the region. Even bears love these juicy, flavorful berries–so if you are out in a remote location looking for your own huckleberries to
pick, be careful!
Once you have a gallon or two of huckleberries, what next? How to transform all those sweet berries into delectable treats that will delight you and your family… Luckily, we have just the thing! Huckleberry Delights is a wonderful cookbook full of delicious recipes that will help you make the most out of your huckleberries. Recipes have clear, simple directions and are accompanied by a collection of poems, folklore, and history that add to your enjoyment and knowledge. Huckleberry Delights comes in several formats, including a bilingual English-Spanish version, a Christian version with selected Bible verses, a large print edition, and a journal that can be used to record your own thoughts and recipes. To order this unique cookbook, click here.
New Puppies at Mountain Valley View Farm!
Ginger, our full bred cockapoo had a litter of five puppies on July 8, 2010. All of them are second generation cockapoos, which means two cockapoos were bred to each other. Normally a cocker spaniel is bred to a toy poodle. A 2nd generation cockapoo litter is smaller in size. Because this breed is more rare, the expense is higher. Ginger, the puppies’ mother, is a silver, beige, and white cockapoo with a very loyal and loving personality who loves to be around; and the father Reggie is a red cockapoo, a loyal companion who enjoys spending time with his owner. The three females and two males all have a complete set of vaccinations, health examinations, dew claws removed, and tails docked. They are ready for pick-up September 2nd, a perfect gift to start off the fall season.
Cockapoos are known for their intelligent, affectionate personalities and playful activity. They also have the low-shedding and low-dander qualities of the poodle, making them the ideal pet for any home.
If you interested in more information about these sweet puppies or would like to bring one home with you, please call 509-922-0456.
This is Cocoa. She is black with a mahogany colored undercoat. Some say she has brindle coloring, but I’m not sure. She has a white marking under her chin. She is shy, but very sweet. She is the smallest puppy in the litter.
This is Sadie. Red colored female with curly hair. She is very playful and likes to explore. She has a very sweet disposition.
This is Molly. Red colored straight- haired female with white stripe. She has the darkest red coat with dark red ears. She was the first born of the litter.
This is Rex. Red colored male with white stripe. He has a very adventurous personality, and is the biggest of the litter.
This is Teddy. Silver cream colored male. He is an easy-going companion. His coat is the most curly of the whole bunch and he reminds us of a cute cuddly teddy bear.
6 Best Foods for Healthy Skin
by David Zinczenko
Source: Yahoo Health
Sandra Bullock, Rihanna, and Lindsay Lohan: What do these women have in common? They’ve all been embroiled in tabloid-worthy scandals. But what else? They all look good, even when the press isn’t. That’s because they have what so many of us strive for: Perfect skin.
So, what’s the secret? How do some of us achieve the golden hue of Halle Berry while the rest of us get stuck with a scaly patchwork of blotches, pimples, and dry spots? Some of it’s genetic, sure, but that’s not the whole story. If you listen to the conventional wisdom coming from the pharmaceutical companies, you might think the problem is that you just haven’t discovered the right cream, ointment, or alcohol-soaked cleansing pad to clear up your face. But those are solutions of last resort. What you need is a preventive strategy, one that involves nurturing the complex balance of nutrients that feed your skin and nurture your inner glow. In other words, if you want the kind of skin that looks good even through a Hollywood scandal, you’ve got to eat right. Here are six foods that will have you looking your best.
1. SALMON
Salmon is an ideal food for many reasons, but as far as your skin’s concerned, there’s only one that matters: It’s among the world’s greatest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Those are the essential fats that, along with bolstering the cognitive powers of your brain, concentrate in the walls of your epidermal cells to help lock in moisture. Plus, in one study, researchers supplemented two groups of mice with either omega-3 or omega-6 fats. After two weeks, the skin of the omega-3-fed group exhibited a 20 percent faster recovery rate from exposure to ultraviolet light. That gives salmon two crucial skin boons: keeping your skin from looking dry and helping it battle the dangers of excessive sunlight.
Other omega-3 foods: sardines, walnuts, flaxseed
Bonus Tip: Sushi is one of my favorite ways to eat salmon.
2. CARROTS
Carrots are teeming with tiny orange pigments called beta-carotene, and when you ingest those pigments, you’re inviting them to nestle into your skin, fill in blotches, and give you a healthy glow. And what’s more, research shows that this can actually help prevent premature aging from sun damage. But is the accumulation of orange in your skin going to make you look like an extra from Jersey Shore? Well, hopefully not. But eating excessive loads of carotene-rich foods can lead to a condition called carotenosis, wherein your skin stops looking healthy and starts looking, well, orange. But the conditions is rare, so unless you notice yourself turning into a prison jumpsuit, feel free to chow down.
Other beta-carotene foods: sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, red grapefruit
3. AVOCADO
One study published by The Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that people with higher intakes of olive oil had fewer wrinkles than people with higher intakes of butter. The reason: Butter is loaded with saturated fat, while olive oil is rich in monounsaturates, the same essential fats that make up more than 50% of the calories in an avocado. So why eat avocado over olive oil? Both are good, but avocados have the added bonus of B vitamins, which also help to keep your skin looking vibrant and smooth.
Other monounsaturated-fat foods: olive oil, almonds, peanut butter
4. BEANS
Legumes, to be more precise. This is the class of plants that includes black beans, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, and peanuts. And how do these puny pods protect your face? By smoothing out wrinkles. Australian researchers analyzed the diets of more than 400 elderly men and women and found that high intakes of legumes—alongside vegetables and healthy fats—resulted in 20% fewer wrinkles over time. The effect is likely a result of isoflavones—potent antioxidants—concentrated in the beans.
Other isoflavone-rich foods: alfalfa, tempeh, tofu
5. GRAPES
Besides providing protection from heart attack and stroke, antioxidants called polyphenols found in grapes can also help keep middle-aged skin from sagging. That’s because polyphenols improve skin’s elasticity by strengthening collagen, the primary protein in skin’s innermost layer.
Other polyphenol-rich foods: grape juice, blueberries
Bonus Tip: Here’s another easy way to tighten your skin and improve your looks: Lose 5 pounds.
6. WATER
Okay, it’s not as fun to drink as wine, but water is the strongest weapon you have against lifeless skin. That’s why they call it “moisturizing”—because you’re trying to lock moisture, aka water, into your skin. To put it broadly, all the body’s processes rely on hydration, so if you’re not sipping throughout the day, you’re likely to have a slower metabolism, groggier head, and, yes, drier skin. One study suggested that it takes a mere half-liter of water to create a measurable increase in the capillary blood flow to your body’s outer layer. That’s just over 16 ounces. Try doing that a few times a day and you’ll have a face like a baby’s bottom in no time.
Other water-rich foods: watermelon, peaches, celery
Cockapoo Grooming and Coat Care
by Christy
Source: Cockapoo Savvy
Cockapoo grooming should be done on a daily basis due to the fact that this breed has a very curly or wavy coat that can easily become matted. The best way to keep the hair shiny, healthy and strong is to brush and comb them everyday, provide your pet with an occasional hair-clipping and a proper bath every month or two.
Since cockapoo grooming fur care is an important part of your dog’s wellbeing, it is in your best interest to familiarize him with it at an early age, so he doesn’t resent the process when he is older. To begin with, you will need to obtain a slicker style brush for a general allover hair sweep and a metal comb that will penetrate through the fur layers to the skin for a more thorough job. Brushing should be done first and then followed up with the combing to make sure you didn’t miss any knots.
When you groom your companion be careful not to pull, yank or roughly rake the brush/comb through his hair. The reason is if you happen to snag a matt, pulling it will hurt your animal. Moreover, you’ll want to make sure you don’t scrape their skin with the comb’s tines or the brush’s bristles. Take it slow and work out tangles by firmly holding tight to the coat between the skin and the knot to prevent yanking the root as you work out the mess. If it’s too matted and you are only breaking hairs, cut it out with a pair of scissors instead of trying to pick it apart.
When you groom your companion be careful not to pull, yank or roughly rake the brush/comb through his hair. The reason is if you happen to snag a matt, pulling it will hurt your animal. Moreover, you’ll want to make sure you don’t scrape their skin with the comb’s tines or the brush’s bristles. Take it slow and work out tangles by firmly holding tight to the coat between the skin and the knot to prevent yanking the root as you work out the mess. If it’s too matted and you are only breaking hairs, cut it out with a pair of scissors instead of trying to pick it apart.
Prior to bathing your four-legged pal, you will want to ensure his coat is free of any knots, as wetting them will only make it more impossible to get out. You should also be sure to bathe him with proper dog-safe shampoo and conditioner to make cockapoo grooming easier after the bath. It is best to engage in coat trimmings after washing him. Make sure he is fully dry first, as you will achieve a much better end result.
Finally, keep in mind that the longer you let your pet’s fur grow, the more frequently he will need to be groomed. Therefore, if you wish to reduce cockapoo grooming, keep him clipped short, in a puppy-cut, and make sure he is brushed at least twice per week.
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