[MR] Dogs at events

[Trey and Janine Sutter]

Let's not get carried away with more requirements/regulations!!  Having been
the first Hound Marshall in the Kingdom, I inspected all of the other
Kingdoms policies and defined ours.   Currently, it is up to the owner to
provide food, water and maintain their dog either on a leash or in a crate
type enclosure.  The dog is also supposed to be watched  at all times and
not just tethered and left.

Autocrats have enough to do and worry about without requiring people to
provide proof of vaccination for their dog.  It will just result in less
events that allow animals.  At a dog show, there is much more concern about
the health and well-being of the animals as these dogs are very expensive
"investments" to their owners.  In the SCA, most people bring their pet dogs
who they have vaccinated and believe that in a society built on honor,
others will only bring their vaccinated dogs as well.

Many people in the hound community vaccinate their own dogs (except Rabies
shots which are required to be given by a vet in most states).  Is it enough
for me to say that I have vaccinated my dog?  Do I need to provide proof
that I bought the vaccine?  How do you know I gave it to my dog?  My dogs
get vaccinated at home every April...is my word good enough to satisfy the
autocrat??  If I get a health certificate from my vet, how long is it good
for?  Do I have to get a new one for every event?  My vet would probably
charge me for that...what if I am going to 3 events in a month?  What if my
dog got sick after I got the certificate?

So, I think before we require people to show their dog's vaccination
records, we should require people to show their records.  It is much more
likely that a sick person will show up at an event and spread their virus to
many others.  Maybe we should get a Doctor on site to certify which gentles
are allowed to remain at the event :).

Kari Kyst
(A 4-H Agent in the real world)







----- Original Message ----- 
From: <aldis.g at comcast.net>
To: <atlantia at atlantia.sca.org>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 9:16 PM
Subject: [MR] Dogs at events


> Gentle Friends,
>
> I want to address a trend that I see growing in Atlantia: that of allowing
dogs at events. I am very pleased to see this happening! It is truly
wonderful that our four-legged friends are being allowed to share the day
with their family.
>
> However, I am wondering something - are we taking enough care for the
health of our dogs?
>
> Here's what I mean:
>
> In the "outside" world, all dog shows, training classes, and canine
sporting events require a certification of health (and appropriate
vaccinations) before that dog is allowed to participate.  A rabies vaccine
is required.  DLHPP (distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and
parvovirus) and bordatella ('kennel cough') are also usually listed on the
forms as a requirement.  Dogs that do not have these important immunizations
are not allowed to remain on the grounds.
>
> I believe that these should be basic requirements for canine attendance at
SCA events as well.
>
> Frankly, I do not know what Atlantia's current practice is.  Are our
autocrats requiring proof of immunization?  Are we requiring our canine
friends attending the event to have a health certification?
>
> And if not, why not?
>
> Aldis Grimolfsdottir
>
>
> Some excellent guidance on the health requirements for dog shows can be
found on any 4H site such as this one:
>
>
http://warren.osu.edu/4h/06DogVac.pdf#search=%22%22dog%20show%22%20health%204h%22
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