Licensing Cats

There are only a very few areas that actually require cat licensing, why is that? They are a pet just like a dog. Seems a bit unfair if you think about it. If you own a dog, you must license them and provide proof of rabies vaccinations. I think it should be required to license cats as well. It's not only dogs that over-crowd the animal shelters, cats are there as well.

Animal Shelters

We are often told that animal shelters are euthanizing thousands of dogs. However, what about all the animal shelters that do not euthanize any animals? They are definitely going to have an over-crowded situation at those shelters. It is very unfortunate how many dogs and cats end up at the shelters. We as a society are being irresponsible. Once that puppy or kitten grows up, too many people lose interest and discard them. The decision to have a pet takes on the responsibility of caring for them for their life.

Puppy Mills

Have you wondered where you will get your next dog once mandatory spaying and neutering is the law of the land? The puppy mills will be your source in many cases. Most everyone has heard the horror stories about puppy mills. There have been many news stories describing the unsanitary and abusive environment of puppy mills.

Dog Legislation

I wonder how much thought has been given in supporting the dog legislation to require mandatory spaying and neutering of dogs by four months of age. I personally do not like the idea of more government control over decisions that should be reached by an individual. I am not against spaying and neutering. In fact over the past twenty-two years I have opted to have my females spayed, did not own any males during that time. The argument seems to revolve around the over-flowing animal shelters in our nation. I do not agree that mandatory spaying and neutering of dogs will resolve this problem. People always find ways to circumvent the law. Our states will never have the local personnel to enforce mandatory spaying and neutering in every household anyway, especially in hard economic times like we are experiencing now.

Fresno, CA Dog Show

On Saturday, January 31, 2009, and Sunday February 1, 2009, the Sun Maid Kennel Club of Fresno, Inc. will have an all breed dog show. Location: Fresno County Fairgrounds, 1121 S. Chance Avenue, Fresno, CA.

Saint Bernards

This is one breed that is easily recognizable by most everyone. They seem to be able to bring a smile to those passing by. A comment heard quite often is, "I bet they eat a lot." Not really, they are not an active dog, so they don't need lots and lots of food. Plus you want to keep them from becoming overweight, that is a problem to avoid no matter what breed of dog.

Old Black and White Photo Saint Bernard

This is an old photo of a Champion Saint Bernard, smooth or short-haired.

Saint Bernard Photo

These black and white photos of Saint Bernards are from 1884 - 1914. Some of the photos will actually have a date on them.

St. Bernard Black and White Photo

Rough or Long-haired female Saint Bernard in snow.

Old Photo of Saint Bernard

Two female smooth or short-haired Saint Bernards.

California Dog Shows

On Saturday, January 24, 2009, and Sunday, January 25, 2009, the Golden Gate Kennel Club will have an all breed dog show. Location: Cow Palace, Geneva & Santos Sts., Daly City, CA.

Old Saint Bernard Photo

Female Long-haired St. Bernard.

California Dog Show

An all breed dog show will be held by Orange Empire Dog Club, Inc., on Saturday, January 24, 2009 and Sunday, January 25, 2009. Event No Saturday: 2009136803 Event No Sunday:
2009136804 Location: National Orange Show Grounds, National Orange Show Event Center, 689 South E Street, San Bernardino, CA.

California Dog Show

An all breed dog show will be held by the Tri-Valley Working Dog Club of Pinon Hills on Friday, January 23, 2009. Event No: 2009610301 Location: National Orange Show Grounds, National Orange Show Event Center, 689 South E Street, San Bernardino, CA.

Old Black and White Photo

Long-haired Saint Bernards with their handlers.

Saint Bernard Specialty Show

A Saint Bernard Specialty show will be held on Friday, February 6, 2009 and Saturday, February 7, 2009, by the St. Bernard Club of Greater Phoenix.

Saint Fancier Magazine

This magazine is dedicated to the Saint Bernard Breed, it was revamped in 2008. It was a good magazine before, but now it is even better. A single year's subscription is $45.00 for the U.S., and $75.00 for Canada. You can contact Lester McCracken, Subscription Chair at (850)547-5382 or subscriptions@saintbernard.org or regular mail to Lester McCracken, Subscriptions, PO Box 934, Bonifay, FL 32425

Saint Bernard Trivia

1942 - The first year of the American Kennel Club Best of Opposite Sex Award was given.

California Dog Show

On Sunday, January 18, 2009, an all breed dog show will be held by the Ventura County Dog Fanciers Association. Event No: 2009109701 Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds & Seaside Park, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA.

California Dog Show

On Saturday, January 17, 2009, an all breed dog show will be held by the San Fernando Kennel Club. Event No: 2009018501 Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds & Seaside Park, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA.

California Dog Show

On Friday January 16, 2009, an all breed dog show will be held by the Simi Valley Kennel Club. Event No: 2009172501 Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds and Seaside Park, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA.

Old Saint Bernard Photo

Four Rough Saint Bernards peering out from behind fencing.

Black and White Saint Bernard Photo

Long Haired Male Saint Bernard

Old Saint Bernard Photo

Smooth Male Saint Bernard

Old Black and White St. Bernard Photo

Momma Saint Bernard with three puppies.

Long Haired Saint Bernard

'Prince of Florence' painting by John William Allison

Saint Bernard Puppies at Play

19th Century Painting by Dutch Artist Otto Eerelman

Saint Bernard Trivia

Did you know that the Saint Bernard Club of America is one of the oldest breeds clubs in the United States? The national club was formed on February 22, 1888. The American Kennel Club was founded in 1884. Saint Bernards were one of the first breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Saint Bernard & All Breed Dog Shows

Have you ever gone to a dog show? In California there are dogs shows held most weekends. It is a great outing for your family. Maybe you have a favorite breed, at the All Breed Dog Shows you get an opportunity to see them in the show environment. There are also Specialty Dog Shows which showcase a particular breed. In February there will be four days of Saint Bernard Specialty Shows. Later this month more detailed information about the Saint Bernard Specialty Shows in California will appear.

Saint Bernard Painting

Saint Bernard with three young girls and three kittens. Painted by Arthur J. Elsey, 1907.

Happy New Year

BRANDYKEGS would like to wish everyone a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year. We hope 2009 will be good to us all.