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Hollytree Dalmatians, Decatur, AL (2024)

08/03/2024

🚲 Bike hike!🚲 . . . . 🎀 pretty Kate in the foreground at the Wilson Morgan Park, Decatur, Alabama, during games. Toonya and Kimber enjoy attention from a visitor to the park and one of the players.

08/03/2024

🚲Bike hike! 🚲💕 You can't say 🌷 Toonya Petunia doesn't love everyone! A ballplayer had completed her game and was leaving the park when she decided to visit the three girls on our trip in the park. Toonya believes in hugs 💖 and that she should be loved on!

08/02/2024

I was asked where a Dalmatian yard decor spinner could be bought. It was a gift, and I asked my friend. She said Amazon under " wind spinners." The package says " Premier Kites." Here is the link. I also found a metal spinner with a Dalmatian head design in the center. There are several dog motiff spinners. There are also blank "for Crafts" spinners! ****See COMMENTS for a photo of the Dalmatian spinner.***** (Thank you again, Sheila! )

Online shopping from a great selection at Patio, Lawn & Garden Store.

08/01/2024

🩷 😊 🌹 KImber: " Is itz my Birffday again? "

The dental treats have arrived!

07/22/2024

🇬🇧Camden🇺🇸 is going back to basic obedience training, starting with the basics. We started last week at Decatur Alabama Kennel Club and will continue forward. I may also start one of the girls at home. I would like to get into more performance training with the Spotted Kids in 2025. Shown in class are a Newfoundland Bama Bears Newfoundlands ... a young Collie and a Australian Shepherd.

07/21/2024

🚲 Bike Hike! 🚲 All 5 Dalmatians were ready to go Saturday night as the temps dropped to 78 degrees. We went as the 🥎 ball games were finishing, but before the park got dark.
🇬🇧 Camden, 🏎 Enzo, 🌹 Kimber, 🎀 Kate, and 🌷 Toonya 🐾🐾

07/20/2024

Memory from 3 years ago! 😊 This was the puppy nicknamed in the litter "Cutie Pie." Her sire was a Best in Show Dalmatian from Australia and her dam is a Best in Show Dalmatian from Canada. She has the 'fresh' bloodlines I was looking for and not only that, Cutie Pie was gorgeous! Her name is now Kimber, and she is an American Kennel Club Champion and Grand Champion.
🏅🏆🏅Grand Ch Estate's Hollytree Kimber Rose 🌹 💖

07/18/2024

RESCUE NOTES: I have been helping with a number of rescues and dogs on the KILL List. It just has been overwhelming. So much government money going into buildings, staff, vehicles, kennels, disinfectants, pet food, vaccinations all the while the animal controls and rescues are in dire need and it is not enough. After 50 years of this, is there not a PUSH to get control and to save money? Do the breeders have that much clout there cannot be a middle ground and restrictions?

There needs to be State laws, not just cities or counties. Some cities do OK, but the counties do not!

Puppy farms are not being checked often, and there needs to be better laws and ........... ENFORCEMENT ..... after ONE Warning. A book can be written on this!

If there were laws on microchips to be done with rabies and REQUIRED that would be a big help in determining the owner and the breeder to be made LEGALLY responsible.

Then set up a fee for un-altered pets of any type pet.

Any GOOD breeder will have OFA testing, microchip, be active with their breed in events, and take their dogs that they raised from pups.

ALL PETS should be microchipped, rabies, and vaccinated. ALL should be given a license tag by age 4 months; giving the breeder time to sell or place.

ANY unaltered dogs without matching microchip and certificate from the vet or collage / clinic that did the alter / neuter / castration / spay / or partial alter as Dr. Karen Becker and other suggest ..........

PAY an INTACT FEE. Yearly.

This goes for the puppy farms that have 10 and 50 and 100 dogs.

All pets being microchipped back to the owner and the breeder. They will be made responsible. If the breeder states I sold the cat, ferret, rabbit, dog, too bad; you are responsible for life. If they cannot take the animal back, they will be fined for the upkeep of the animal with limits, such as a $ 500 fine per animal.

A good, responsible breeder would be glad to pay the fee and should be glad to microchip, law or not. It needs to be law.
The money for the fees can pay trained attorneys to be judges in Night Court to not encumber the courts.

The money saved by animal controls not being over burdened, can have trained on line and door knockers to check for certificates, microchips, and licenses. While these people are out, they can require access to see that the animals are not at large, not tethered and are properly house and in good condition.

I have said this since .............. 1995 ........ and in the 1980's before microchips were out and before many people had access to computers. Much of our rescue work was done over the phone, FAX, and land mail. Photos were taken to be developed and then copies were mailed to interested potential owners or placed in pet stores, livestock stores, vet offices, or other stores. Ads were in newspapers.

The huge changes since 1980 is hard for many to fathom. Yet, the numbers of 'unwanted' continue because of the weakness of the laws and lack of enforcement.
Microchips were expensive at about $ 25 to $ 50, but they can now be purchased at $ 6 a piece in bundles ( my last price) and I've seen special prices at $ 3 - 4.

If the dog has a behavior issue, there are more clubs and businesses willing to give discounts. Some behaviorists will give discounts.
Decatur Alabama Kennel Club, for instance, allows one free rescue dog per class for basic obedience and " Family Dog."

Bottom line is laws / ordinances. And many times, this requires a lobbyist and money, or a couple of people ELECTED that have a passion for rescue work and want to save their cities, counties, and states money.

I hope some of you read this. Is there any hope for the next 10 years to decrease what is happening?

07/14/2024

🚲 Bike hike! 🚲 A few ball games 🥎 went on last night at the park. If it looks hot and dry, it is because it is. 🔥 Even at 9 p.m., it was till 86 degrees F. I'm cut back to a mile.
✔️ Dogs' bodies continue to elevate in temperature even after they stop exercising. They can't sweat like a horse. It takes an hour to cool the core temperature before they can eat. ((The digestion of food brings blood flow to the digestion system and away from the organs and skin which is not good when they are hot. ))
I may try getting up early and going, but the dogs can't be fed before we go. Considering a spoon of peanut butter to raise sugar?
🏎 Enzo, 🌹 Kimber, 🌷Toonya Petunia, 🎀 Kate & 🇬🇧 Camden.

07/12/2024

😄 ......... however, 🌷Toonya and 🎀Kate says squirrels are devious and not to be trusted.

07/11/2024

😊🎀 Kate 💕🩷 It was Kate's turn to go shopping this week, and she stopped at this . . . a child had been playing with these brass ducks and left them. I believe Kate was waiting on them to move!
Tractor Supply in Decatur, Alabama

07/07/2024

Recent posts on Facebook, Instagram, and NextDoor show reports of missing pets after the 🇺🇸 4th of July "celebrations" with fire-works. 💥

It is sad to see that some people did not prepare enough or could not prevent escapes.

It is horrifying story on July 5th that one dog that jumped its fence was killed by a car. I know another dog was in a screened back porch with fan blowing and went through the screen! This dog had on a collar with tags. She ran miles before found exhausted by another person who saw her run into the corner of their garage! The person closed the garage door, capturing her, and then posted her in several social media groups.
A well built crate or other solution could have prevented these tragedies.

I do not believe that the fire works will be stopped even though illegal, and it would take a lot of officers to go to all the places where they are being lit. 👮‍♀️ 🚓
The partying people can run and hide as well. I heard and saw explosions all over Decatur for hours.

Some pets react mildly. It depends on their raising at the breeder, how they were raised by the owner, their background history, and their genetics.

Yes, some of these solutions are time consuming. Some can cost.
However, it will be worth it to find a solution and also prepare in advance and every time *before there is a holiday. I am offering suggestions.

✅ 1.) Home set up.
Most of us turn high velocity fans on, turn the TV or music up loud, and reassure our pets. I have done this to my rescue / foster dogs by putting them in a room so I can turn the TV up and shut the door. DO go back to check on them. Do put water out. I've had to crate them with a non-destructible toy or peanut butter filled Kong toy to keep them from destroying a blanket or the door. If not crate trained, get a large, safe one or an exercise pen they cannot jump out of. Train them gradually using the suggested ideas on a dog trainer's page or the AKC . org.

Have you dogs' and cats' collars on and make sure the microchip is activated with your current telephone numbers. You could even put on a reflective collar or a glow in the dark battery operated collar.

Have a double door or babygate plan that the pet would have to get through two barriers before even getting out a house door ( 3rd barrier).

✅ 2.) Desensitizing
I hope all of you work on several things: desensitizing your pet to loud noises ( I even use recordings off You Tube or Reels). You can make a 2 - 3 minute recording of actual blasts going off at a celebration. Just go to one and record. Desensitization is done by common sense methods.

Pretend like you are going to train the pet to be a K9 Police Officer, a Search & Rescue Dog, an Emotional Support Animal or an ADA Service Animal. Put your thinking cap on or look at You Tube Videos that show the beginning training of these puppies.

Even if you do not get to the best level of desensitization, combining this with behavioral / sedation medications should work together.

Realize the holidays are ahead when people shoot fireworks. Start 8 weeks in Advance.

Keep a consistent goal of playing every day, one hour at different times of day or evening, a recording of fireworks. Use a low volume like "white noise." Play over and over, even over hours at a low level. Treats are given and a happy voice. I use my computer that has 3 speakers.

Over time, as your pet ignores the noise like 'white noise.' increase the * volume a notch to where the pet recognizes the noise. Repeat. It may take a week . . . . Or a few days, or 2 weeks of doing this for several hours. By the time you've done this gradually, it may take 6 or 8 weeks. Do it during feeding time, and give treats intermittently. Talk cheerfully.
Turn the volume up intermittently for 10 - 15 minutes at a time during the hour or 2 the repeat recording is on.

If you do this very consistently and every day, very persistently, you should see gradual improvement over 8 weeks.
If no improvement, and you have given it your best attention, it is time to see your veterinarian.

✅ 3.) Veterinarian
Products sold on line ...... may not work. Also, if your pet has sensitivities or health issues, these may not be good or safe for your pet. See your veterinarian.
Get an appointment 2 months in advance of the holiday. Ask for costs of
brief follow-ups for trials of medication.
Talk to your veterinarian about levels of sedation and different classes of medications and finding one or a combination of two that work.
I have used : Ativan, Trazadone, Sileo ( S i l e o ), and even acepromazine.
Discuss side effects and dosages. I used 2 doses on one dog, but another required two medications and another required 4 doses. Do review the instructions and ask your veterinarian the limits on doses.

✅ 4.) I use to work in a large boarding facility. We were set back from much of the noise. During fireworks, the in-house music was turned up and the large "horse barn" fans were turned on in the halls.
Here's your fourth option. ** Board. ** Take your pet there for day boarding a few times to get them use to the facility. You can day board a half day or full day, usually at a reasonable rate.

Boarding can be expensive .......... so if you have a choice, consider take your pets to a 'animal' friend, a pet sitter, or relative that are away from fireworks, and have a fence. Take proper crates and supplies. Give the "under no circumstances" rules to your friend or relative.

Make plans weeks ahead of time are my biggest suggestions. Find a solution.

07/06/2024

🚲 Bike Hike! 🚴‍♀️ Temps dropped, so I split the girls and the boys into groups. I think it was about 80 degrees F here. Each set did tad over 3 miles with 3 breaks. They're not even panting! Heard a few fireworks, but none close.
🎀 Kate, her Mom, 🌷 Petunia, and 🌹 Kimber.

07/05/2024

👍 What my dogs do during 💥 fireworks: they listen and watch. Even though they have been desensitized to all sorts of noises since puppies, I still have them get out, walk around get treats, and use a happy voice to keep them this way. The 4th of July was the 3rd day of "bangs" and I have an idea we will have more tonight and over the weekend. 🎀 Kate and brother, 🇬🇧 Camden on the back porch.

07/04/2024

🤩🇺🇸 Hope everyone has a fun and safe day! 🇺🇸
Training for loud noises.
If you have a puppy or dog that shows fear of loud noises which fireworks can be, use this as a training day! Get lots of small training treats or kibble food, mixed with a bigger reward, like cheese cubes or larger treats. Make sure the dog cannot bolt by using a collar and lead, and having in secure fence. As firewoks go off, use a cheerful voice and "yay! yay! good! treat!" and give a bit of treat. Pat, scrub, use a brush, hug to reassure.
I have sat outside for 2 days prior to July 4th with my dogs because minor or more distance fireworks are being shot. I also gave a long lasting dental chew during some longer lasting shows.

07/04/2024

06/28/2024

🇺🇸 4th of July 🇺🇸 Get your pets prepared!!! If you need to get calming medications from your vet, don't wait until July 3rd. Put collars on, even get a GPS collar, but prevent escapes and exercise / potty them before fireworks stat. Lock up in a crate with loud TV or music, and make sure anyone entering the house does not leave the door open for an escape. 🌟💥Fireworks are not fun for some! ⚡️💥

06/28/2024

Effective August 1, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expanding requirements for the importation/entry of foreign dogs into the United States.

Requirements include that all dogs must be at least 6 months of age, microchipped, complete new CDC Dog Import forms, and have a valid rabies vaccination or be able to demonstrate residence in a DMRVV (canine rabies) – free or low-risk country for the last 6 months.

https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3P5AXpbEVSj1nUBGOBIkWz_3u-adrdTtgzYawD6N-Q2lAHYYqijeU8kPo_aem_Uxx21_v5riJZnmeHmZfRmA

Animal Importation, importation of animals, importation of animal products, Traveling with Pets

06/28/2024

We have been back a few days, from the Dalmatian Club of America and four regional Dalmatian specialties in Perry Georgia at the huge Georgia National Fairgrounds. I have been trying to rest and get caught up. Here is the American Kennel Club TV video of the Dalmatian Club of America national specialty! It is divided over several days and by the classes. I showed Camden and Kimber in Best of Breed. The male dogs showed first, and then the females. I believe there were over 120 Champions showing just in Best of Breed. It was a beautiful sight!

Watch the 2024 Dalmatian Club of America National Specialty June 17th - 20th, live from Perry, GA only on AKC.tv.

06/15/2024

Currently going on this entire week to June 22, 2024 The Dalmatian Club of America National specialty. Dalmatians are an intelligent, diverse dog! Look at the schedules if you would like to come.
https://dalmatianclubofamerica.org/2024-dca-national/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR35LD_8L1i9r2EvPFzad7GoDn5NAJh81GunHRTRmgTc3FYv9eW6TwrQDbU_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

Visit the post for more.

06/15/2024

🌹 Kimber packed Pinkster the dinosauer and her 🧸Squeezy Bear! 🧸

06/15/2024

Here's the link to the ⭐️Dalmatian Club of America National Specialty .............................. S C H E D U L E ........................ ................ Friday June 14 to Saturday, June 22

https://dalmatianclubofamerica.org/2024-schedule/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3y61qo7_ecQGMaayNSgUgRqSSK8vJ5SSxPV6AA_fHelM2IbAAaVZBNfB8_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

Schedule FRI, June 14 Agility, Fast CATS, Road Trial Agility (All-Breed) held in Reaves ArenaFast CATS (All-Breed) Concurrent Test, start at 7:30 AM and take a break at 11:00 AM and restart at 5:…

06/15/2024

Edwin Henry Landseer, Mourning for the Old Shepherd, 1837

The artist Edwin Landseer was an animal painter, giving preference to the depiction of animals in his work. His painting “Mourning for the Old Shepherd,” depicting a dog who lost his master, was no exception.

On the canvas we see a rather poor shack, in the middle of which stands a wooden coffin. A very sad dog laid her head on its lid - she doesn’t know how she will live now without her shepherd. The artist conveyed in an amazingly realistic way the suffering of the unfortunate dog, whose eyes literally contain tears.
On the floor lies a primitive wooden cane and an old hat of the deceased. There is a Bible and glasses on the chair. This is all that remains of the elderly owner of the house, who has passed on to another world.

This painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1837 and was a great success. It received rave reviews from many acclaimed critics and was enthusiastically received in the press.
English writer and art theorist John Ruskin called the painting “one of the most perfect works of art that modern times have seen.”
** In 1838, an engraving was made based on the painting “Mourning for the Old Shepherd”, which became one of the best-selling engravings of the century.
Currently, the painting is part of the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

06/14/2024

😃 Report: Here's what the blackberries are looking like! I guess I got about 4 cups, not all were this big. Great taste!
Just like his Mom, ⭐️Twinkle, and Grandmother, 💜Gina, 🏎Enzo 💖 helped me pick in the blackberry bushes. Due to 2 ticks on my jeans, I put him back in the car ( with air conditioning on). We didn't stay long. I use a flea comb to comb through for ticks and inspect all the folds of the ears which is a 'pain.'

06/14/2024

😅 Dog show ahead !!! 💖 I've been preparing all week to go to the Dalmatian Club of America and regional specialties of three Dalmatian Clubs .... I am also a member of the Greater Atlanta Dalmatian Club ! The Mid Florida Dal Club and the Dal Club of the Piedmont will also have shows after the National show which includes Sports, Agility, Obedience, Road Dog, Fast CAT lure coursing, Barn Hunt, Etc !!!! The National has the Futurity and Sweepstakes Classes as well as regular and non regular classes. I have about 12 of my 'get' or 'offspring' entered in "Performance."
There are 5 entered in conformation - - structure and gaiting.
I have two of my AKC Grand Champions - - -
🇬🇧 CAMDEN and 🌹 KIMBER entered in Best of Breed.
This is a huge class and I am mostly entered to show people what they look like and how they can move! All of my dogs are AKC Grand Champions now, but I had to select 2.

06/14/2024

🚲 Bike hike!!! 🚲 🇬🇧 Camden and 🏎 Enzo watching a game! I love how the park lights shined in this photo. Boys traveled 3.4 miles.

06/14/2024

🚲 Bike Hike! 🚲 The girls are not wanting to keep the pace the boys might do, so I biked the boys, then the girls. Here, were are in Wilson Morgan Park and by the tennis courts.
🎀 Kate, 🌷 Toonya, and 🌹 Kimber. We did 2.8 miles, with some loping, and 3 breaks like this one. It is getting warmer and I am having to go at night.