The Dog Guardian |
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1. Highlights
by Julie More Welcome to the Summer edition of the Dog Guardian. Yes, this is what summer looks like. We had almost forgotten after the long winter we had. We are sorry to say good bye to Yvonne Robertson, our past treasurer. Luckily she is still staying on as a RDOC member. We are happy to welcome our newest board member, Mary Jean Duncan. In this issue we are introducing the "Kids Page". It's a page for kids to learn about, and how to be safe around pets, especially dogs. Scroll down to find out more about this section. We are happy to announce that the French version of Fido, Friend or Foe? activity book has been completed. Both the English and French versions are on our website. Happy reading! |
By Julie More
Co-chairs: Treasurer: Acting secretary: Membership Coordinator: Volunteer Coordinator: Directors: |
Candice O'Connell, Dagmar VanBeselaere and Julie More Betty Harris Claudette Levac Candice O'Connell Julie More Jennifer Harris, Mary Jean Duncan and Lorraine Green |
"Hi, my name is Mary Jean (or Mj). I served on the Waldorf school board through much of my daughter’s public school years.
I was attracted to RDOC from two directions – I am a paediatric plastic surgeon and deal with dog bites and dog owners, and realize over and over how inadequate behaviour education is. So heart-breaking for the dog, for the child and for the owner. I am also involved with breeding Australian cattle dogs, and feel a responsibility for placement decisions re puppies, and for owner education. I have a fascination for service dogs. I have been impressed with the passion and commitment of the people I have met through RDOC. I am interested in exploring ways we can work with other organizations with related mandates to promote the welfare of dogs and the responsibilities of owners".
Welcome Mary Jean to our board. It's great to have you on our team!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Yvonne Robertson for all her work at RDOC. Yvonne joined RDOC as our Treasurer when we were known as NCCPD (National Capital Coalition for People and Pets). It is thanks to Yvonne that our books are in order - she made sure we handed in all our bills and receipts. In 2014 Yvonne handed over the Treasurer's torch to Betty, and continued to help with the books until this year.
Thank you Yvonne for all your work. We don't know what we would have done without your help and are glad you are staying on as a RDOC member. We are looking forward to more of your funny stories about your kayaking and dragon boating experiences.
The RDOC website now features a Kids Page designed for children who are interested in learning about dogs, how to help look after their pet dogs, and how to be safe around dogs. Have fun and enjoy the activities. There is a lot for your child to learn. Each month or so, something new will be featured so keep on coming back.
The child’s own dog: Looking after your dog; Activities kids can do with their dogs, e.g. feeding, brushing, walking, training, teaching tricks, agility.
A friend’s dog, or a stranger’s dog: Meeting, playing etc.
Safety rules
Body language - what the pup is trying to tell your child with his tail, mouth, ears, etc.
The "Be a Tree or Rock" program
How to choose a pet
The pros and cons of different dog breeds
Alternative pets (rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, etc.)
Find the new page here: www.responsibledogowners.ca/kidsactivitypage.html
By Julie More
I just thought I would give you an update about the Fido, Friend or Foe? activity book we mentioned in our Spring Newsletter. Both the English and French versions are now completed and can be viewed here: www.responsibledogowners.ca/studies.html
1. We are talking to CHEO about using the activity book in their group activity program.
Update: CHEO is excited about the project. We are in the process of printing the activity books.
2. We are talking to veterinarians about giving the activity books to dog owners who have children or grandchildren between the ages of 3 and 8 years old.
Update: We approached 2 vet clinics. They are very happy with the project. At present they are using the original version of the activity books until the updated versions are printed.
3. We are talking to Girl Guide leaders about introducing the activity book to Sparks and Brownie groups when they are working on their Pet Pals badge.
Update: We decided to hold off on this project until the updated English and French versions are printed.
By Julie More
The Blue Dog website www.thebluedog.org/en/ is very useful when teaching children how to interact with dogs.
The home page describes what this website is all about: "The Blue Dog answers all you ever wanted to know about dogs: from having a dog in the family to acquiring a new dog, ensuring good health, or recognizing good dog behaviour."
Click on “Material for Professionals” on the top right corner of your screen to get suggestions on lesson plans for these three age groups: www.thebluedog.org/en/teacherstoolbox/blue-dog-in-the-curriculum/lesson-plan-suggestions
The Reception Year (ages 4 -5) Year 1 (ages 5-6) Year 2 (ages 6-7) |
Making your dog a true family member;
Pregnancy, new babies, toddlers and children;
The addition of new pets, moving houses, travelling with your dog;
How owning a pet benefits your kids, your health, etc.;
Dog health (things you can catch from your dog etc.);
Dog bite prevention.
....... plus so much more.
This is a very well designed educational and fun website for the whole family. I highly recommend it. Don’t forget to watch the "Blue Dog goes to the vet" video on the home page.
By Kit Watson
"Crusoe, The Celebrity Dachshund: Adventures of the Wiener Dog Extraordinaire" by Ryan Beauchesne.
This photographic storybook shares the adventures of a dachshund named Crusoe. He even has his own blog, www.celebritydachshund.com. You can also find him online at: www.facebook.com/crusoedachshund ; www.instagram.com/crusoe_dachshund ; www.twitter.com/celeb_dachshund ; www.vine.co/crusoe . The book is available both online at www.amazon.ca and www.indigo.ca and at various Chapters and Coles bookstores. The cost is $18.50 in the store, but is cheaper if ordered online, at $16.30. |
The first annual RDOC garage sale was a great success. It was held on Saturday May 14 at 24 Elderwood Trail (Betty’s house) in Stittsville. Thank you Betty for letting us host the fundraiser at your place. We made $204.80
Thanks everybody for your donations and to all our volunteers who helped with the fundraiser. It was so successful that we plan to hold another garage sale next year.
RDOC is looking for a volunteer to help design its quarterly newsletter. Templates provided. Please contact Julie More at |
Just a friendly reminder of our next clean up dates:
Bruce Pit on Saturday June 4
Andy Shields Park in Greely on Saturday June 11
Heritage Park in Orleans on Saturday June 18
Join us on Sunday, September 25 at 5pm for the Going to the Dogs Dinner and Race Night at Rideau Carleton Raceway, co-hosted by Responsible Dog Owners of Canada and Therapeutic Paws of Canada. Tickets are $40.
The event includes dinner, valet parking, coat check, live racing, complimentary race program, $2 wager coupon, $5 coupon for the slots, fabulous door prizes, and a silent auction. Our Honorary Chair for this event is Sandy Sharkey.
For more info please email [email protected]
Payment can be made by cash, cheque or Paypal.
To order tickets please contact Candice at 613.258.0697
or email [email protected]
We are still looking for volunteers to distribute posters and pick up donated items for the silent auction.
We will need help to stuff goody bags on Sunday, September 18.
On the day of the event (September 25) we will need volunteers to:
transport silent auction items, etc. to the racetrack
set up at the racetrack
help at the registration desk
help out at the silent auction tables
clean up at the end of the event
If you can help out, please email our volunteer coordinator at [email protected]
Elaine Smith, Ottawa, ON with Coco
Linda Frederick, Ottawa, ON with Bella
Katherine Neufield, Ottawa, ON with Broccoli
Congratulations to all our teams!
CCGC™ is a ten-step test that provides a good measurement of a dog's behaviour in a social setting with different distractions. For more information on the CCGC™ test or CCGC™ preparation course, please look on our website: www.responsibledogowners.ca/ccgct.html or contact RDOC at: [email protected] |
Annual Membership Fees:
Seniors and Students $10
Adults and Family $20 (volunteers get 50% discount)
Not-for-Profit Organizations $35
Corporations and Businesses $50
To join or renew your membership, please email [email protected]
or go to our website at www.responsibledogowners.ca/membership.html
Responsible Dog Owners of Canada (RDOC) Responsible Dog Owners of Canada is a registered non profit organization that promotes responsible dog ownership through education and support, cultivates respect for the rights and privileges of members of the dog-owning and non dog-owning communities, fosters recognition of the contribution that canines make through companionship, service/assistance and therapy and aspires to assemble a strong network of responsible dog owners to ensure the restoration and preservation of a dog-friendly society. Responsibility · Respect · Recognition Contact RDOC by: Write
to us at: Or visit us online at:
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