Official Newsletter of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Greater Tampa

President - Gayle Frank

Vice President - Debie Scurr

Treasurer - Charlotte Engle

Recording Secretary - Marilyn Matthes

Wheaten Words
Corresponding Secretary - Sue Robinson

Board Members

Sue Wuerz Marj Lorand

Pam Benton Brian Sonnenschein

President’s Message

Over the last four years it’s been such a “great run” to be the president of your club.
Membership is about double from the start of my “great run” and YOUR club has tried new things
and has accomplished some major milestones along the “great run” of YOUR club.

The board who worked to make this all possible is phenomenal. The people who work without
rest to make sure the rescue dogs find new homes are always on duty and because of that the res-
cued dogs and the people who made this all possible traveled many “great runs”.

The webmistress traveled many “great runs” and we have one of the best Wheaten club web
sites online. YOU have been the village and OUR club is stronger and more active than ever before.

I’m proud of so many of the efforts that are always going on behind the scenes of OUR
“great run”. Public education is always on a “great run” through fielding all the calls prompted by
newspaper ads to help people understand what the best ways are to find their perfect puppy and
the breeders who talk to so many prospective puppy families. All of the club members do their part
in public education every time someone stops and wants to know what kind of sweet, cute, beautiful
dog we have at the other end of the leash.

The Club is reflected through the dogs who participate in events such as obedience, agility,
rally, herding, and conformation. The public sees our dogs and asks questions about the breed so
public education is always happening. Our Club has members who are active in the SCWT Club of
America as well, so many people see us acting proactively in our “great run”. Our club is seen by
many through the constructive posts on the Wheaten L. Just recently one of the posts talked
about our rescue mission and how it takes a village to make this all happen. We are that village and
together we ran a more than “great run”. I’m so proud of you and I thank all of you from the bot-
tom of my heart and the hearts of all of our Wheatens.

On a very personal note, I’ve enjoyed my own “great run” because I’ve had the opportunity
to get to know many of the Club members much better. I’m fortunate to have enjoyed such coop-
eration and the dedication of our “village” and I know Marilyn will enjoy the same as she takes over
as your next president.

Don’t forget to hug your Wheatens!

Gayle Frank

DECEMBER 2007, PAGE 1

 TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERS
1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your enter-
tainment. I have only you!

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand,
but I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm
not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long or my heart may be getting old and weak.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it," or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is
easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.

Hot Dog Training Treats

My mom discovered this treat while volunteering at the SPCA. They are YUMMY!!!!

She cuts a hot dog into about 30-40 thin slices. Then she cuts each slice into halves or quarters.
She spreads the little pieces on a paper towel and microwaves them for 3-5 minutes, or until
they’re pretty crispy.
These yummy hot dog bites seem to keep for well over a week in the refrigerator and even longer in
the freezer
(that’s unless my brother Spencer or I get to them first!)
ENJOY!

DECEMBER 2007, PAGE 2 WHEATEN WORDS

 You can now pay your dues and make donations online!

To pay using your paypal account: To pay using a credit card:

1. Sign on to the member area as usual. 1. Sign on to the member area as usual.

2. Choose the type of membership or the fund you
wish to donate to and click on the "pay now" or
"donate" button. If you choose to pay dues, the
amount will automatically be filled in for you. If you
are donating, you'll be prompted to enter an amount.
2. Choose the type of membership or the fund you
wish to donate to and click on the "pay now" or
"donate" button. If you choose to pay dues, the
amount will automatically be filled in for you. If you
are donating, you'll be prompted to enter an amount.

3. Sign on to your paypal account.
4. Click "pay" after confirming that the information
is correct.
5. Print a receipt from there or check your e-mail
for the receipt sent to you.
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click
on the word "continue" which is in blue.
4. Follow the instructions onscreen and enter the
required information.
5. Check the information carefully and click "pay."

Membership Applications

The following have applied for Membership in the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Greater Tampa Bay:

Ann and James McCormick Regular Member Status

Debra Salisbury & Marc Richard Associate Family Membership

“Publication of prospective members in the Club newsletter shall be accompanied by an opportunity for current members to provide writ-
ten comment to the Membership Chairperson should he/she have any objection to a membership application. Members shall have 30 days
after the publication date to object. If there are no objections, the applicant is welcomed as a Club Member. If the Membership Chair-
person receives any objections, the Board will reconsider the application at the next Board Meeting.”

SAVE THE DATE

February 17, 2008 Annual Picnic Lake Seminole Park

Seminole, FL
Pinellas County

DECEMBER 2007, PAGE 3 WHEATEN WORDS

 A Tribute to the Dogs We Love and Rescue
By Herb Kandel
An old maxim states that a camel is a horse de-
signed by committee. If that is so, then it must have
taken at least two committees to have come up with the
mold for Lucy, our eclectic pet.
At first glance she might have been mistaken for
a dachshund as her elongated body with somewhat dispro-
portionate short legs gave her that appearance. But her
head and snout resembled a Chihuahuas’, except her ears;
the cocker spaniel kind that lapped over. Her chest was
that of a bulldog, thrust out and proud. Her short hair
had the color of a chocolate Labrador, which, after she
had her bath, shone like a seal’s coat. Boston terrier
brown eyes peered at the world ever alert for perils that
could befall someone whose peepers were only 3 inches
above the ground. To complete the picture, when this
canine montage walked, her squat front legs swung in
semi-circles as she waddled forward duck-like. This was
our little Lucy.
She was a rescue puppy. We were told she had
been neglected — left outdoors in all weather at all times
to pretty much fend for herself, to the point of foraging
for food in garbage bags.
That was almost 15 years ago. She was our con-
stant companion in all the places we lived and in every hur-
ricane evacuation. She was accepted by our mostly
schnauzer, Bonzer (she too was a rescue hound) and later
Lucy welcomed Daphne (yet another pound puppy, mostly
soft coated wheaten terrier). Because of her size and
disposition, she was always the Beta to the other dogs.
Over the years, as her siblings passed on to The Rainbow
Bridge in the sky, and others became beloved family mem-
bers, she assumed the role of Grand Dame. Independent
and aloof, she garnered the respect of her new, younger
and always larger siblings. She rarely played with the
other two, but when it happened it was she who initiated
the action.
If Lucy had been an entrant in a canine pageant
she would not have been a nominee for Miss Congeniality.
But she would have had a good shot at Miss Loyalty, Miss
Sweetness, or Miss Quiet Companion. She had a way of
sidling up to your dangling hand when you were sitting and
then rubbing her head against it, side to side, which al-
ways reminded me of an elephant-like gyration when they
DECEMBER 2007, PAGE 4
roll their heads. In her younger days, when her body and
legs were more supple, she would skip up the stairway to
the second floor. Her stubby back legs providing the pro-
pulsion while the front ones reached out; but with her
circular gait it looked like she was doing a landlocked
breast stroke. And when she descended, she took on the
appearance of a slinky slithering down step to step.
As the years went by, they took their normal toll.
Her face and paws showed at first a hint of gray later
more so, the vanilla encroached the chocolate. She slept
longer, deeper and more often. She balked at steps and
had to be carried down and up. Because of her early pup-
pyhood hunger, her appetite never waned, until near the
end. For several months she had been receiving fluid in-
jections to prevent dehydration and to flush waste prod-
ucts through the kidneys, as she was experiencing chronic
kidney failure.
Our vet, a caring Dr. Bill, said it was time to let
her go. Body functions were shutting down and nothing
more could be done without additional suffering. So on
May Day she was held lovingly as she slipped away, first to
a peaceful sleep and then to eternity.
There is a bond between humans and animals but
especially with those pets who provided personal compan-
ionship, love that was unconditional, acceptance and a
sharing co-dependence each day.
There is an empty bowl now at mealtime, a vacant
bed at the foot of ours, a leash that hangs limp on a hook,
and a space in our hearts that is currently occupied with
only memories. Our quaint, funny looking, sweet Lucy, who
graced our home for all those years, I know is having her
head rubbed by someone somewhere. And when I think of
this, as is oft times, it brings back a paraphrase of the
Beatles song: “Lucy in the sky with — Bonzer and Daphne.”
By Herb Kandel
Reprinted with the Author’s permission
The Kandel’s are now
the proud parent’s
of one of our re-
cently rescued
SCWTs—Hairy
Winston!
WHEATEN WORDS
 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Greater Tampa Bay
General Meeting – Annual Dinner
November 10, 2007
Sarasota, Florida
President Gayle Frank called the meeting to order at 8:25. Gayle welcomed both old and new members and guests.

Our Silent Auction tonight benefits Wheaten Health. We use the proceeds to support our Colony Dog Renin, in North
Carolina.

The cruise raffle benefits our Wheaten Rescue efforts.

Pam B. made a motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting as printed in the newsletter. Marilyn S. seconded. Min-
utes were approved.

Treasurer Charlotte reported we are ‘solvent’.

Debie reported for Rescue that we have had a very busy year for Rescue. We had more dogs come into rescue than ever
before. There were also some dogs not accepted for Rescue due to temperament and health. We always need more fos-
ter homes. 25 dogs were placed this year.

Melissa N. reported that handling the 25 dogs does not represent the total activity of Rescue. Time is also spent in talk-
ing with people who end of changing their minds about turning their dogs over to rescue.

Marj L. thanked both Debie and Melissa for their tireless efforts on behalf of Rescue. They are both doing a great job!
Marj also noted we need more Foster homes. Rossi’s have fostered several this year. Fostering Wheatens in need of new
homes is very rewarding.

Pam B. reported on the changes we’re seeing to our web page. She’s had to learn a new program in order to update the
features we all want to use. We should be able to accept PayPal charges for dues in 2008. Speaking as the new Treasurer
for 2008, Pam said we will still accept checks.

Debie announced she has membership applications and foster home applications if anyone needs them tonight.

Old Business:

We’re still working on insurance coverage for the club. It could cost more than anticipated.

New Business:

The Picnic is scheduled for February 17, at Lake Seminole Park. We have had it at this location for several years. Gayle
reported on a possible activity for this year’s picnic. The National Club would like all Wheaten owners to support the DNA
project by providing blood samples so that their Wheatens’ DNA can be recorded. We need a vet or vet tech to draw
blood during the picnic.

The National Club will pay for some expenses, with the estimated remaining cost per Wheaten to be about $10 per
Wheaten tested. Club members thought this would be a worthwhile project for the Picnic. Linda H. will ask an area vet if
he’s interested.

This Wheaten DNA testing is requested of ALL Wheatens. The Board will continue to work out the details.

We are now officially a 501.c.3 organization—thanks to all the very time consuming paperwork the Melissa has done. This
means that donations for the Silent Auction are now deductible.

Gayle gave thank you gifts to all Board Members for all the work they have done during her term as president. She also
gave a special thank you gift to Debie Scurr for all the work she has done.

Mr. Rossi mentioned a dog training company he really likes: Bark Busters. It could be a special program for the club or
part of another program. He said it is a great company.

Meeting was adjourned. Silent auction bids were awarded and money collected. Mik Lorand auctioned off the leftovers.

The Cruise raffle ticket was drawn by one of the Country Club employees. Marilyn Matthes was the winner.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 2007, PAGE 5 WHEATEN WORDS

 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Greater Tampa Bay

Jackie Kase Memorial Service Award Nomination

2007

Service Award Nomination:

I wish to nominate ___________________________ for the Jackie Kase Memorial Service Award.

S/He has done a great job for the Club because:

Return before January 15, 2008 to:

Marilyn Matthes

10411 Greenway Road

Naples, Florida 34114

239-775-5494

3wheaties@earthlink.net
 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Greater Tampa Bay
Title Awards Notification
2007

Please print or type legibly! Award accuracy starts with you!

DO NOT SEND A COPY OF THE TITLE CERTIFICATE!

(Email with information is fine.)

Member’s name:

_____________________________________________________________________
(include names of co-owners if Club Members)

AKC Registered Name of Dog, including all AKC titles:

_____________________________________________________________________

AKC Title(s) and dates finished during 2007:

_____________________________________________________________________

Return before January 15, 2008 to:

Marilyn Matthes
10411 Greenway Road Naples, Florida 34114
239-775-5494
3wheaties@earthlink.net