[MR] Dogs at events

[Made For Willow]

Greetings to the List, 
   
  I appreciate the concern for the health and wellbeing of our pets. I am a happy dog owner and feel very guilty attending a day trip without my Scottie Terrier. Since I am a single Lady, I do not have the luxury of leaving my pup with someone else while I  attend events. I have been very pleased to see that my little dog is welcome to attend some events and even more excited when there is a camping event that we can go to. 
   
  There have been additional concern for me when bringing my Scottie to an event, one is the health of other animals there, and I totally support the required licensing and rabies tags that are also required by law. The state of Virginia also requires that all pets be licensed and leashed at all times, and there is actually a $250 fine if you are caught with your pet off leash...and another $250 if you are found to not clean up properly after your pet. 
   
  For the safety and security of our wonderful pets and participants, my second concern is for the children that attend events that do not have proper parental supervision, for they can become the issue at events for a pet owner. Not all dogs are child friendly and at an event with all the excitement that children love, imagine what it looks like from the ground level of a dog. Something small with garb can easily look like prey to be chased and chewed! Oh my!!!
  
When attending events, I try very hard to keep my Scottie save, watered and cool, as well as a good distance from the little children that may run up and grab and tug at the "cute dog", especially when that "cute dog" could be the very harm that child finds at an event. Children and pets require controls, protection, rules and regulations just like our fighters on the list field to keep each and every event, family, pet and fighter safe.
   
  For camping events, I have found a wonderful doggie play pen that serves well next to my tent, while dressing, cooking or just fire sitting, that allows my pup to relax and rest, while still under control and it works really well under a day shade as well.
   
  With that said, please share the safety responsibilities equally if you bring your four legged companion to an event, since this is VERY PERIOD...I appreciate it tremendously and look forward to attending more events that I can bring my "little boy".
   
  In service to the Dream, 
  Lady Willow faye Dunne and Robin of Locksey (aka Scottie with kilt) 


aldis.g at comcast.net wrote:  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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