Santa Maria Novella for Dogs (and Cats too)

My dad has loved Santa Maria Novella ever since he visited the pharmacy on the Villa della Scala in Florence, Italy more than twenty years ago. I guess that's why he was so thrilled when, a few weeks ago when we were visiting New York, he discovered that they are now making products for dogs (and cats). Twenty years ago dad was intoxicated by the scents of Fieno (Hay) and Vetiver produced by the Officina di Santa Maria Novella. Not that he is a cologne wearing guy. He isn't. He just liked to have the beautiful bottles sitting on his bathroom counter and occaisionally he would open one and savor the clean pure fragrance it contained. These days he is taken with their amazing potpourri and terra cotta pomegranate fragrance infuser. I mean the terracotta pomegrante is a work of art unto itself. He has one in his closet where the gentle essence of pomegranate scents his socks and undergutchies. The potpourri is a mixture of herbs and flowers macerated in terracotta jars from Impruneta. And, how could I forget, he is addicted to their pomegranate bath salts.

They also make these amazing Armenian burning papers (or something like that) which are thin slips of paper that clear and cleanse the air when lit. These were actually the first SMN items that dad purchased and he still always has some around the house. They smell great even before you burn them.

The Officina do Santa Maria Novella was founded in 1221 by Dominican friars. The monks cultivated medicinal herbs and used them to prepare ointments, balms, and medications for their convent's infirmary. All of their products have their unique histories. For example, the Acqua della Regina is a essence that was created especially for Catherine de' Medici. This noblewoman, crowned Queen of France, introduced her precious perfume and many other fine Florentine things to the French, who came to know and appreciate them.

So when dad discovered the SMN products for dogs (and cats) on the back shelf of a small shop on Madison Avenue, he couldn't but help but purchase the no-rinse detergent foam. It's rose scented and it refreshes the coat without harming the coat. It's perfect for my little pee-bear Angus between baths. And then, the other day, in Dallas we found a store that stocked the entire line of Santa Maria Novella for Dogs (and Cats). From delicate shampoo to ear lotion to paw and corn ointment (which softens corns on joints and protects fingertips and the nose from chapping) to mouthwash gel, deodorant, and lemongrass lotion (which with its mild formula, provides lengthy protection from mosquito bites). Dad showed unusual restraint and only purchased the whitening powder made with rice powder for Roxie's soon-to-be whiter than white muzzle. It's useful for removing spots (that often appear around the mouth or eyes) without damaging the skin or coat. It may be my imagination but I think it makes her smell a bit like an Italian courtesan. I mean in a good way. It's vaguely foreign and accommodating. Do you know what I mean?

Dogs On The Couch

I don't know what to make of it all. I seem to be allowed in the bed whenever I want. Which is not that often. I actually prefer the floor or one of my many dog beds. I am sometimes allowed on certain chairs and couches, but not always. And some chairs and couches are strictly off limits at all times. Take for example the two white couches at our Dallas place. They are strictly off limits at all times. That's why I was a bit confused when a group of Tibetan Terriers appeared on these two white couches in Dallas. Well, they weren't really Tibetan Terriers. They were felted pillows with the likenesses of Tibetan Terriers on them. My dad had commissioned them and the artist made pillows from photos of Angus, Roxie, and me. And one of my last litter of seven pups.

I think it was one of those impulse purchases. Albeit one that took much coordination and planning. By the time they were completed, I'm quite sure my dad had forgotten all about them. But there they were waiting for us in a box among many other boxes and all our other mail on the bench in the hall when we arrived at our Dallas place

The way I feel about the one that is supposed to look like me is the way I think a lot of people feel about their driver's license photo. I hate it.

I must admit, these pillows. they do have a certain Je ne sais

quoi. Maybe it's cause they are hairy like us. And I quite like the one of my last batch of pups. And, I guess, they do capture a bit of our essence. But I wasn't surprised at all when my dad took them off the couches and put them in a cupboard after just a couple of days on the couch.

In another box was a very different pillow from an artist named Llubav Choy Duerr. Llubav is quite well known for making the most exquisite ring pillows for weddings. Dad commissioned her first normal sized pillow and the result is QUITE NICE.




After spending the first ten years of her life in the small fishing village that is Chimbot, Peru, where her days consisted of drawing, dancing, and eating ceviche, Llubav left her native land on a journey that took her to Mexico City, suburban Virginia, and, finally, New York City. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and young son. When she's not tending to them, she enjoys antiquing, cooking, and anything involving Bailey's Irish Creme. To see what Llubav is up to lately, check out her blog.

Tibetan Terrier Treats

I write the food blog, Bunkycooks, and am doing a guest post today for Suddie's Blog. I was quite flattered when I was asked to do this post for one of my favorite dogs, Suddie. Suddie first found Bunkycooks this past February when I made the Oh My Ganache! cupcakes and posted the recipe on her blog. Suddie’s dad had discovered my blog because of my “Things I Love” page about our Tibetan Terrier, Beamer. I think Suddie's dad must also like ganache, but Suddie can't eat it because chocolate is a forbidden food.

Suddie also enjoyed my creamed corn recipe and video of Beamer so much, that Suddie posted the recipe and video on this blog and called it Dogs of the Corn. Isn't it funny the things these dogs will do to get some attention? ;)

"Can you tell which end is up?"

We have remained friends since then via blogging and Facebook. In fact, I would really like another Tibetan Terrier from Deep Acres Farm, but Beamer might have something to say about that. I'm still hopeful. Beamer needs a little sister.

Since I was asked to write about Beamer and not so much about food, I thought that I would talk about how wonderfully intuitive dogs are when you are sick or injured and what a wonderful companion Beamer has been to Mr. Bunkycooks and me.

If you are not familiar with Bunkycooks, then you probably will not know that I had ankle surgery last Monday. When I was carried delicately brought into my house after surgery, Beamer immediately started to jump up on the sofa and sniff me and lick my face. He knew that I was not well and literally did not leave my side all that night and next day. He has remained close by since then.

"Beamer would like some ice cream bon bons, too!"

Beamer was also instrumental in Mr. Bunkycooks’ healing process after several of his surgeries over the years and in dealing with cancer. In fact, Beamer has visited two of the hospitals in Atlanta and would jump on the bed and stay by his dad’s side until we needed to leave (they let him stay all day). Even when Mr. Bunkycooks came home from the hospital and was bedridden for several months, Beamer remained by his side. I had to coax him out of the room to go outside and get his dinner. Just so you know, you are usually able to bring a dog into a hospital with special approval and proof of vaccinations and immunizations.

"A visit by Beamer is the best medicine."

Dogs do seem to understand when their dads and moms are sick and some have even been trained to smell cancer in patients. I feel certain that the comfort of having this dog by our side through many illnesses and surgeries over the last eight years has definitely helped us get through the healing process quicker. It is also a proven fact that petting an animal can lower your stress level and blood pressure.

There is definitely a bond that exists between an owner and his/her dog that is incredibly special. I also think that Tibetan Terriers are a delightful, intelligent and adorable breed (I might be just a wee bit partial to them...do you think?!). I do not think we would have any desire to own another breed after raising Beamer (as feisty as he might be sometimes!).



Since I do write a food blog, I cannot leave you without a recipe! I have had so many pumpkins this Fall, that of course I am going to give you a recipe for something with pumpkin...Fall Pumpkin Bites for your dog! Did you know that pumpkin is very good for dogs and their digestive systems? It is also good when their tummies are upset (as in when they eat whole corn cobs like Suddie has been known to do!).

Nothing says that you care for your dog more than a homemade treat (or a luxurious stay at The Ritz-Carlton...Beamer loves those beds!).

Beamer is very smart, so we often have to spell to have discussions about some of his favorite things. So, these T-R-E-A-T-S are made with fresh pumpkin puree, blackstrap molasses and whole wheat flour and are really good for your pup.

"He's so cute!"

I substituted Organic brown rice flour for the whole wheat flour because we try to keep Beamer's diet gluten-free. They browned a little quicker, but did just fine. Be sure to flatten them a bit more than I did so that they are crunchier. These were a bit chewy, but hey, Beamer wasn't complaining. ;)

Thank you Suddie for asking me to be a guest on your blog. It is always a pleasure to brag on Beamer and share our sweet pup with other TT and dog lovers!

Woof! Woof! That is dog speak for enjoy the recipe! :)

"Your dog will love these!"

Fall Pumpkin Bites
Adapted from Home Cooking for a Healthy Dog
Makes about 36 treats

1/2 cup pumpkin purée (made from a 1 pound fresh pumpkin, cooked and mashed)
4 Tablespoons blackstrap molasses
4 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups (9 ounces) whole wheat flour (I substituted Organic brown rice flour)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (I used 1/2 teaspoon)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Blend together the pumpkin purée, molasses, water and vegetable oil.

Stir in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda, to form a soft dough.

Roll the dough into balls, put on a baking sheet, flatten them and prick with a fork.

Bake for twenty-five minutes, or until hard and crisp.

* Store your treats in an airtight container in the frig.

Before There Was Ella

You remember my friend Ella Ridsdill Smith from across the BIG POND. And her little sister Maisie. Well before there was Ella and Maisie there was Annie. Annie was gorgeous too!

Ella shared this photo of Annie along with the following message, "Mom wanted me to share this photo of Annie who lived with her before me. Although she never had her own pups Annie raised these kittens when their mum was killed by 2 marauding Jack Russels. They were just weaned and Annie became their foster mum. She lived to the age of 161/2 years."

I LOVE ANNIE! I even like these kittens. Poor little kittens they lost their mittens and their "mum" too. Good thing they had Annie.

Yet They Were All Alone

Here's the Story

Of a Lovely Lady (that would be me)

Who was busy with two pups of her own (that would be Roxie and Angus)

They Were Three TTs Living All Together

Yet They Were All Alone (except for my dad, of course)

Until the One Day When The Lady Met (so to speak) this Fellow (that would be Toby)

And They Knew it Was Much More Than a Hunch (that's for darn sure)

That This Group Would Somehow Form a Family

That's the Way We All Became the TT Bunch.

Here's The Story of Seven Lovely Puppies

Who Were Looking For New Homes of Their Own

All of Them Had Lovely Hair, Like Their Mother

The Youngest One In Curls

Here's The Story of Three Kids in Iowa City

Who Were Busy With Full Lives of Their Own

They Were Three Kids Living All Together

Yet they Were All Alone

Til The One Day When Two TTs (that would be Elsa and Rufus) Met These Three Kids

And They New It Was Much More Than a Hunch

That This Group Would Somehow Form a Family

That The Way They All Became The TT Bunch

The TT Bunch

Meet the Challenge...PLEASE!

On our walk this morning we met two Shih Tzus. The woman they were with was going on about how nice our coats were. Which wasn't saying much since theirs were a fine mess! She also pointed to a spot of black fur on one of her dogs and wanted us to know that this spot of black fur, on her dog's otherwise tan coat, just appeared recently and she is six years old. It seemed like my dad didn't really know how to respond to this. I think he considered, "Isn't that something!" or "You don't say." Instead, he blathered on about how, when he reached a certain age, long black hairs started to appear out of his nose and ears and, you know, those battery operated nose and ear hair clippers never seem to work for very long. Not to be outdone, the woman just had to share how a black hair appeared on her chin one day, not too long ago, and her chin then began to take on a pointy appearance. She never thought it would happen to her. She was turning into a witch or her mother. She wasn't sure which. One in the same we couldn't help wondering.

Moving on...

My dad, is going to match every donation of $250 or more up to a total $2500 to the Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare Foundation. Won't you help?

You can visit the Foundation's website to make a matching donation online:

1. Visit www.tibetanterriersfoundation.org

2. On the website's homepage, click on the "Donations and Store" link.

3. To donate securely online with your credit card, click on the "Donate Through Pay Pal" link and then click on the "Donate" icon. You will then be able to select the amount of your donation from a menu of options. You can then specify the purpose of your donation or select "unrestricted donation" and add the donation to your shopping cart and check out. When prompted for payment information, select Pay Pal which will allow you to enter your credit card information securely.

If you prefer to a make a donation by check or money order, there is a form available on the "Donations and Store" page of the website. Or simply send your donation to the address below. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare Foundation and mailed to:

Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare Foundation

P. O. Box 1001

Southport, CT 06890

The Foundation is a non-profit organization and your donation is tax deductible.

Please share this appeal with your Tibetan Terrier loving friends. The Foundation needs your help to continue its work.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact my dad at vance@tibetanterriersfoundation.org

Together One is Less Alone

I came across a picture the other day. It is of a gorgeous Tibetan Terrier from Germany named TshaTsha and her dear friend, Angela. I had to tell Angela how much I loved the pic.

Angela responded:

"The 'touching' story (for me) behind this pic is, that TshaTsha is affected by CCL and to share moments like this with her mean the world to me..... and I'm pretty sure to her too.
It is also a most wonderful book from the French author Anna Gavalda, the German title is "Zusammen ist man weniger allein" - translated into English: Together One is less Alone."
Lovely regards from Germany,
Angela

In another message, Angela told me, "TshaTsha's mother Dari died of CCL last year, she lived also with us and was such a wonderful TT... Have you seen the video about her?"

I had not seen the video so Angela sent me a link and I watched it right away. It is such a beautiful and moving video. I hope you will take a minute to watch it.

CLICK HERE to view the video.

Above: Beautiful Dari succumbed to CCL/NCL

According to the Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare Foundation's website CCL, also know as NCL (Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis), is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease with primary lesions in the brain and eye. Behavioral changes and loss of vision in older Tibetan terriers are the most common symptoms noted by owners. Other symptoms include changes in temperament (becoming aggressive, anxious, nervous), uncoordinated gait, impaired vision under dim light conditions, loss of house training and recognition skills. Advanced stages may include mild to severe seizures, especially in the later stages. Symptoms typically first appear at 4-6 yrs of age, and progress to death or euthanasia by age 7-10 years.

Now, my dad is on the board of the Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare Foundation so I know the Foundation is funding trials of stem cell therapy to treat CCL/NCL. The Foundation's website provides the following update:

"To date, we have treated two CCL/NCL-affected TTs with adult stem cells, here referred to as Toronto Dog and Baltimore Dog. Toronto Dog received two treatments and Baltimore Dog has had one. Both appear to have responded favorably with no ill effects associated with the stem cell administrations. Following treatment, both owners have kept in frequent contact by email and their reports are very encouraging. They are very careful to objectively describe specific tasks that the dogs can do after treatment that they could not do before treatment. Both dogs appear to have improved and are doing much better, moving better, and not suffering from the “anxiety attacks” that are characteristic of CCL/NCL. Because dog behavior is difficult to interpret, we do not want to claim that these dogs are “well” but they have improved. This improvement appears to be real based on the owner’s description of their dog’s responses in objective terms rather than subjective opinions. We will begin treating a third CCL/NCL-TT next week that is in more advanced stages of CCL/NCL.

Above: Gorgeous TshaTsha

One definition of “good science” is that “it asks more questions than it answers”. And if these initial observations hold true, we now have many more questions to ask. How long will the beneficial effects last? What is the minimum dose of cells? What is the best route of administration? Will treatment repair the vision deficits? Will treated dogs have a normal life expectancy? Will pre-instruction of the cells make them more therapeutic? Can we pre-treat an affected dog and prevent NCL from ever occurring? This is very exciting and humbling for all of us involved in this project. We will continue to treat and monitor the dogs frequently, so stay tuned………and consider supporting your friendly, hardworking Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare Foundation.

If you would like additional information about these clinical trials being conducted at ReGena-Vet Labs, Davis, CA, contact Dr. Richard Vulliet or Pamela Rosman at regenavetlabs@gmail.com."

Earlier this year, with the support of the Foundation, genetic tests became available that indicate whether a dog is clear, affected, or a carrier of CCL/NCL. The Tibetan Terrier Club of America recommends that breeders test and know their dogs CCL/NCL status prior to breeding. In addition to CCL/NCL testing, the TTCA breeding guidelines specify PPL testing and hip (OFA) and eye (CERF) certification.

The Foundation does so much work to keep Tibetan Terriers like me healthy, but it's funds are limited. I hope you will consider supporting their important work. Do it for great dogs like TshaTsha and Dari and the Tibetan Terrier(s) in your life. The Foundation's work benefits Tibetan Terriers in every country. Together we can stop CCL/NCL in its tracks. For more information, or to make a donation, visit the Foundation's website: www.tibetanterriersfoundation.org