The Portuguese Water Dog Club of Greater Chicagoland

Dec, 2011

2011 Presidents Letter to Membership

Happy New year to all!  2012 promises to be an exciting year, culminating with hosting our National Specialty in Lake Geneva Sept. 29 - Oct. 5.  Lots of preparations are going on right now and there are many opportunities to volunteer.  We'll be offering every event: water, tracking, obedience, conformation and agility.  If you have never been able to watch our breed in action, this is the time!  If you have ever wanted to try out in one of these areas, start training with your dog now! 

 

Next on our agenda is the Regional Specialty at McCormick Place on Feb. 24.  Come on down to see all the dogs, participate in our Club's Meet the Breed table, and watch some fabulous PWD's compete.

 

As the long winter settles in, keep in mind that your dog's level of energy does not decrease.  If you notice him whining more, getting into more trouble, being less patient - he probably has cabin fever just like you do!  If the weather outside is frightful, try an indoor game of hide-and-seek, practicing some of your obedience moves, or teaching new tricks.  Don't forgot the indoor swimming offered at Carriage Hill also.

 

When the snow flies, it's time to haul out the boots and longjohns, and get playing!  We haven't had much here yet, and my dogs are waiting impatiently for it.  It amazes me how well they tolerate the cold when there is snow to frolic in!  We've had a few inches here and there, and it seems to release a burst of energy in them.  For those dogs with tender feet, there are booties available for keeping the salt and snow out from between the pads.  For those unwilling to keep shoes on outdoors, there are products like Musher's Secret that you can use to repel ice build-up in the pads, and Bag Balm that you can use to deal with cracks in the pads.   Find what works for you and enjoy the Midwest winter!

 

Wishing you and your dogs all the best in 2012.

 

Pat DeVries