Dutch Dogs Have it Made!

I recently returned from an amazing vacation in the Netherlands. It did not take me long after my arrival in Holland to realize that I would not miss having dogs around. There were dogs every where. 

Dutch people are very active and I would estimate that 75% of the people I saw out walking, hiking and biking had dogs with them. They came in all shapes and sizes and seemed to vary in breeds depending on what part of the country we were in.  I spent the most time in the central region of Holland near Nijkerk. Here the Belgian Tervuren is apparently very popular. I saw at least 20 of them during my stay. In Canada I have not seen that many in all my years at the vet clinic. They are very athletic dogs and I assume that the biking enthusiasts choose the breed for their ability to run alongside the bikes for kilometre after kilometre. If the cyclists did not have a dog running alongside them, it was not unusual to see smaller breeds with them on the bikes. I saw one Mom with a basket for her dog and a child at the front with two older children on the back. Amazing how they get around.

In the northern province of Friesland the hunting breeds are very popular, especially bird dogs. I saw Gordon, Irish and English setters as well as many Labradors. We also got to see a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (right), a breed developed in Holland. Not only are there thousands of sea birds here but also a large population of wild pheasants.

We also saw a beautiful Keeshond (top left) which is also a breed native to the Netherlands.

In one of the fishing towns I also saw a very cute Schipperke (left). I always thought this breed was also developed in Holland but apparently they are from Holland's neighbour, Belgium

The other thing that I really loved was that all of the dogs were on leash, except the field dogs in Friesland.

 In Holland you are also permitted to have your dog on the bus or train. They have to pay 3 Euro, but many people do this. You are also allowed to have your canine friend go to dinner with you. I know there are some places in Canada that this can happen but I think it is uncommon. It certainly does not happen in Durham region. I think I read somewhere that the only place dogs are not allowed are in the museums.

I did miss Kenzie while I was away but certainly saw a lot of dogs for my daily dog fix.

Diane McGill

Technician

Bowmanville Veterinary Clinic

‘Twas the Week Before Christmas

 ‘Twas the week  before Christmas,

When all through the clinic,

The staff  were a-flutter,

Planning their Christmas picnic.

With salads and appetizers and goodies galore,

They ate and they drank until they said “Please, no more”.

While  felines, Phoebe and Carter observed from closeby,

And Myrtle & Shelley  watched, with turtle-y eyes,

Diane and Chantelle, Lori, Karen & Karin,

Looked after  Fluffy with kindness in their eyes.

With surgical packs to prepare and laundry piled high,

With all sorts of pets needing comfort and food,

Lori & Joanne toiled all the day through

And were at last able to breathe a very hearty sigh.

As Dr.’s Wendy and Helen and Brigitte and Vanessa

Met to discuss the patients that day,

They determined that everyone was good to go home

And shouted a joyful “Hooray”!

Feverishly fielding calls at the front desk,

Were Patty, Vicki, Lori, Lori & Laurie,

Greeting folks with a smile, multi-tasking all the while,

They greeted each pet with its own computer  file.

Kennel students Sabrina and Meredith  and Claudia and Hunter,

Worked hard to keep the place neat,

With nary a snarl or a “Bah, Humbug”,

They mopped and polished and cleaned.

Last but not least, was our manager Sandra,

Overseeing all with her practiced eye,

She missed not a thing, nor declined to sing

Whenever an audience was nearby.

As we all gathered ‘round

And shared a few tales, about all of the pets that we knew,

We realized our bounty, just how lucky we were,

To work with such a dedicated and compassionate crew.

Merry Christmas everyone, our very Best Wishes for a Happy & Healthy New Year