The Collie Nose
Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2013
John Cymerman has stepped
down as president to allow
more time for his business.
However, he will still serve on
the board as chairperson.
John was instrumental in resur-
recting the newsletter last year
and has agreed to continue as
the board contact for the news-
letter.
CRGI welcomes Vicki Wilder as
the new president. Vicki has
much to offer because of her
past experience with CRGI and
her efforts to promote our
organization.
Kim Zandstra, who was chair-
person, has accepted Vicki’s
former position as vice presi-
dent.
Other board positions remain
the same.
The new board is:
Vicki Wilder, President
Kim Zandstra, Vice President
Tina Kiselka, Treasurer
Caroline Lewis, Secretary
Robert Olson, Webmaster/IT
John Cymerman, Chairperson
Michelle Hirsch, Event Coordi-
nator
Michelle Rogers, Adoption
Coordinator
Susie Moncek, Foster Home
Coordinator
By Ellen Keirnan
For the last year, dog owners have been frustrated because of the
shortage of popular heartworm drugs. Unfortunately, the problem
remains at a standstill.
Several pharmaceutical companies have changed processes and
productivity levels and have moved plants from one location to
another to remain profitable and compliant with federal regula-
tions.
As a result, smaller lines, such as animal products, have suffered
shortages and delays in production schedules as pharmaceutical
companies concentrate on production of their most profitable
lines.
Heartworm medicine is one of hardest-hit areas. As reported in
prior issues, the heartworm preventive Interceptor is not currently
in production.
Supplies of the drug are drying up because there has been no pro-
duction since December 2011. Novartis closed its manufacturing
facility in Nebraska after the Food and Drug Administration identi-
fied quality control issues of unrelated pharmaceuticals.
In February 2012, the company released its stockpile of Intercep-
tor and stated that production would resume in the near future.
However, as of January 2013, production has not resumed.
A related Novartis product, Sentinel – which includes a flea treat-
ment (lufenuron) and milbemycin oxime, the heartworm medicine
common to both brands – is in preproduction, but nothing has
been shipped to date.
Collie owners should work closely with their veterinarians while
these shortages exist and follow their advice.
A lesser-known shortage affecting the health of dogs and efforts
of rescue and shelter groups is the limited availability of Immiti-
cide (melarsomine dihydrochloride), which is the “fast-track”
treatment for heartworms. Shortages first appeared in 2009, but
Heartworm Drug Shortages
See HEARTWORM, page 2
Board Changes
In Memory of Kari
the manufacturer Merial announced in September 2011 that there
would be a continuing shortage of Immiticide.
Its interim supplier was a European company that did not comply
with FDA regulations. The FDA granted permission to import the
drug on a very restricted basis.
As a result, Merial told veterinarians to treat only the most severe
cases of heartworm with Immiticide. To manage the supply, Meri-
al requires veterinarians to order the drug directly from them –
after certifying a need. It is not available through normal distribu-
tion chains.
Less severe cases of heartworm can be treated with a monthly
dose of ivermectin (the heartworm medicine in Heartgard) in
combination with daily doses of doxycycline, an antibiotic. This
approach is less costly and there are fewer side effects, but it
takes at least a year of treatment to kill all heartworms.
To add to the problem, collies that carry the multidrug resistance
gene (MDR1) are sensitive to ivermectin. Luckily, the protocol is
to use a low dosage deemed safe for all breeds. But there are po-
tential side effects.
Unfortunately, since the ivermectin/doxycycline treatment takes
as long as a year, many kill shelters now elect to euthanize rather
than treat a heartworm-positive animal, according to the VIN
News Service and other sources.
No-kill rescue organizations like Collie Rescue of Greater Illinois
are also impacted because it strains their foster care capacity
when a dog needs to be treated for a year rather than a few
months.
A side effect of both treatments is the potential for clots. As the
heartworms die, the residue could clog arteries and lead to deadly
clots. This is why the animals need to be confined during treat-
ment with little or no activity. Any extra stress on the heart or cir-
culatory system could result in a clot.
The treatment is tedious for the caregiver and the animal when it
lasts a few months on the fast track. With the conservative ap-
proach, it is a real challenge because the treatment is needed for
a year or more.
All dog owners need to be aware of how difficult it is to treat an
animal infected with heartworms. So the best policy is to remain
diligent in using heartworm preventives and follow a veterinari-
an’s advice to battle this devastating disease.
HEARTWORM, from page 1
In 2012, we lost a very good
friend, Kari Kijek.
Kari’s love for collies began as
a young girl. She always had
the companionship of a collie.
Her two adopted collies, Dixie
and Dolly, were her pride and
joy.
She and her husband, Greg,
have been such a valuable
team to our organization. This
couple was a dynamic duo.
They contributed financially
and volunteered at many
events.
Their most significant contribu-
tion to rescue collies was their
role as transporters. Greg, who
works for Woody Buick, was
able to borrow a van to pick up
collies in need. They drove
many miles to save collies.
Kari will be greatly missed and
will not be forgotten.
2
If I can stop one heart from
breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
— Emily Dickinson
"To err is human. To forgive, canine." — Unknown
3
By Gail Diedrichsen
Volunteers and adopters gather for CRGI’s annual picnic. A sea of beautiful collies, accompanied by
their wonderful people, is a sight to behold. It’s a family reunion where old and new friends share
good food, fun activities and wonderful stories celebrating our lucky collies who light up our homes.
Most heartwarming is the moment an adopted collie recognizes his or her past foster parent. In a flur-
ry of wagging tails and happy tears, faces light up with huge smiles as humans and dogs embrace.
It’s evident that a strong bond was made and that the collies will never forget the kindness and guid-
ance given them while in transition.
Our foster families generously open their hearts and homes to these abandoned collies. The dog’s
needs are assessed so that future placement will be a perfect fit. These devoted people spend weeks,
and too often months, caring for dogs who are frightened, abused, grieving the loss of an owner, sick
and often in need of training.
Susie Moncek, foster coordinator, works decisively to make CRGI’s foster program a success by
placing homeless collies in appropriate foster homes. For example, she has foster homes with children
who are great with playful puppies. At the other end of the spectrum, she has fosterers willing to take
senior dogs. Some are great with dogs with behavior issues or special needs. Some dogs have been
tethered outside and need to learn house manners, while some need special attention after and
throughout medical procedures.
Susie watches over the dogs and the foster homes and supports them, optimizing their success. Susie
has one goal in mind: find a loving, forever home for each collie. She understands that the right
foster
placement can make that happen. Understandably, sometimes fosterers have difficulties when the
time comes for their collie to be placed in a forever home. It is so easy to become attached and often
fosterers become affectionately known as “foster failures.” But, that’s OK! If there’s one thing many
fosterers seem to have in common, it’s the reality that some of their foster dogs never leave.
Kate Chrisman is a veteran fosterer. She has fostered 15 dogs in the past
three years. Two never left.
“And it could have been more!” she says with a laugh.
She adopted Lady after her double hip surgery and rehabilitation.
“She had the surgery in July and began walking in January. Duke, another
foster dog, fell in love with our Lady and he ended up staying too,” Kate says.
“They were attached at the hip; they did everything together. If we called
one, they both came. We had to keep him,” she says. “In fact, we didn’t real-
ize Duke was deaf until Lady passed away.”
Kate remembers one collie who was afraid of his own shadow.
“He was so quiet we didn’t even know he was in the house. He was especially afraid of men,” she
says. “One day I walked down the hallway past our bedroom. I took a second take. I could not believe
my eyes! He had jumped in bed and had settled in for a nap with my husband. That was a huge step
for that dog! He finally was adopted and rehabilitated.”
Kate enjoys seeing the positive changes in the dogs.
Fosterers Connect Collies to New Homes
See FOSTERERS, page 4
Kate Chrisman with
Hope at this year’s
CRGI picnic
4
“Fostering is such a joy. You watch these mangy-looking dogs transform. It is so cool! They start to
greet you at the door. They fall in line and pick up your house routines quickly. Every one of them
has been hard to give up, but then I see how happy the adopters are. I know if the dog adapted to
my home, they will adapt to the next,” Kate says. “By the time they get to my house, they have been
bounced around. They are transported, go to a veterinarian, see a groomer and then come to me.
Their next move, into a forever home, is much less traumatic. So I know they will adapt again,
maybe
even more quickly. Seeing them get a permanent home is so rewarding.”
Kathy Stodgell fosters about five to seven collies a
year.
She fosters for a couple of reasons and admits, “At one
point I was looking for a collie or two and this was a
good way to get to know the dog before they became a
permanent resident. Also, it’s a little selfish, but I cannot
have more than two collies, so I foster so I can get my
‘collie fix.’ I am glad when they come, yet glad when
they leave because I know they are getting a good home
and that is what gives me such a warm feeling.”
Kathy’s dog, Missy, came to her infected with heart-
worms.
“She stayed so long, we fell in love,” Kathy says. “Our
other dog, Morgan, came to me and I knew within an
hour, she was mine!”
Kathy cares for many dogs with medical needs and recently fostered Kennedy for several months
while he was treated for severe skin problems. Lucky for many of our sick dogs, Kathy is willing to
care for them and her home is close to Glen Ellyn Animal Hospital.
“It’s an easy trip and works out well, especially if it’s a dog who needs to be seen by a veterinarian
often,” she says.
Kathy loves working with collies and feels that they all benefit from a refresher course. She enjoys
the training and the walking, knowing she is getting foster dogs ready for their new home.
Jill Hansrote is a true veteran and recently fostered her 47
th
dog.
Susie calls her, “Our guru for training problem dogs. There is not dog with a behavior issue that Jill
will not tackle and cannot rehabilitate.”
Four years ago, Jill contacted our organization and offered to foster Pandora, a shy female collie with
heartworms.
“When I saw Pandora, I knew that she needed me as much as I needed her,” Jill says. “I knew from
the start that she was my heart dog. And she has been one of the greatest gifts of my life.”
Jill partners with Pandora to educate the public.
“I am a huge advocate of heartworm treatment and have taken Pandora to speaking engagements to
discuss treatment and why it is so very important to guard your dog against this disease,” Jill says.
“No dog anywhere should have to go through what Pandora did – not for lack of a chewable pill that
costs less than dinner for four at McDonalds.”
FOSTERERS, from page 3
See FOSTERERS, page 5
Kathy Stodgell admires collies Kennedy
(on left) and Ryan at the 2012 picnic
before they receive new homes.
5
“When I talk to people about fostering, they always say, ‘Oh, I don't think I could do that – it would
be too hard to let them go.’ It is difficult, especially in the beginning, and remains difficult when a
special collie comes into your life and finds a place in your heart,” she says. “The thing you learn
about fostering is that, while the collie you adopt to another family will live in their home, he or she
will always be your collie in a way. You were the one who took the collie in first and taught him that
life could be good, that he could be loved, that he could be confident.”
“You were given the gift of selecting his new family. And by taking him to that home, you helped cre-
ate a family,” she adds.
Jill sees the beauty in adoption days. She has seen welcome signs on doors when she delivers collies
to their new homes. Children have drawn her pictures and given her gifts. And she has received flow-
ers and photographs from new friends.
“So really there is no 'letting them go' when fostering ends,” Jill says. “I actually have 47 collies, plus
the ones who live at my house, and that makes me one of the luckiest people in the world.”
In her heartfelt description of her role as a fosterer, Jill says, "My mantra is, ‘I am the bridge between
what was and what will be.’ And it helps when my heart hurts, when letting one of my foster dogs
go. My job is to do what I can to prepare my foster collie for a new life. I can't be the forever home
for all of them, but I can walk beside them for a while toward their future.”
These are a few of many heartwarming stories shared by our compassionate volunteers. Without
Susie and our dedicated foster homes, our organization would not exist and so many collies would not
get a second chance. We always need good foster homes. Contact Collie Rescue if you have what it
takes, love collies and would like to be part of this great group of people.
Collie Nose Wines for Sale
FOSTERERS, from page 4
“It was a typical spring day for the Trenton County employees who came across a Collie lying in a
ditch. Assuming he was dead, they tossed him in the back of the truck with the other unlucky
animals.
But the dog made a noise – he was alive! They rushed him to the vet and Trent's journey toward a
new life began. CRGI saw him through multiple surgeries, infections and ultimately the loss of a leg.
Through it all Trent was the perfect ambassador for the Collie breed and this wine, displaying a sassy
and vibrant character that is full of personality.”
This is the story on the back label of Trent’s Sauvignon Blanc, one of the wines be-
ing offered in our latest fundraising venture. We’re very pleased to introduce you to
The Collie Nose Wines!
We have partnered with BenefitWines.com to offer six organically raised and fair-
trade wines from Chile, each featuring a CRGI rescue dog and his/her story of
rescue. This year’s featured dogs and their corresponding wines are: Casey’s Char-
donnay, Duffy’s Merlot, Pandora’s Pinot Noir, Shadow’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Trent’s
Sauvignon Blanc and William’s Malbec. All the profits from each sale (about $6 per
bottle) go straight to CRGI.
Early reports from our taste testers are unanimous – the wines are delicious!
To purchase the wines, visit www.benefitwines.com/crgi. And please post a link to the site on your
Facebook page or in emails. For more information on how to host a wine tasting party or have your
dog featured on a label, contact Kim Zandstra at kzands@yahoo.com or 630-415-1206.
6
By Colleen Leonard
When George Hayes believes in something, he goes full speed
to contribute to it, whether it’s Collie Rescue, hockey or auto
racing.
While he is known in hockey circles for being in the Illinois
Hockey Hall of Fame, he quietly works behind the scenes for
Collie Rescue.
Two to three times a month, the 62-year-old Villa Park
resident
travels wherever Collie Rescue needs him for a Meet and
Greet and is accompanied by his sable collie, Annibelle, and
his tricolor collie, Roxie.
“I’ve made many people cry because they’re so gorgeous or they’re much like some other dog they had in their
life,” says George, who has served as a Collie Rescue volunteer for five years.
He adopted Roxie several years ago and describes her as “the warmest, friendliest dog.”
Annibelle is also special because she has become his “soul dog” since rescuing him Christmas Day in 2009.
George remembers going outside in a sleet storm to walk the dog next door while the owners were out of town.
As he was walking near his property, he slipped and couldn’t move. He had broken his hip and separated a
shoulder.
Annibelle, who was on the other side of the fence in his yard, knew he was in trouble and spun in circles barking
for help. She then ran to his house and jumped on the door to get his wife, Karen.
“She actually did a Lassie,” George says. “I fell in the well and she picked me up.”
More than a month later when he returned home after rehabilitation, Annibelle was waiting for him.
“When I came back, it was snowing – very, very deep snow I remember. My wife let her run in the snow up to
where I was in the car and she jumped full force onto my chest and gave me a bath of kisses,” George says.
“And I’ll never forget it. Since that day, she’s been my soul dog.”
Besides helping Collie Rescue, George has been a driving force of high school hockey. Last year, the state high
school leagues combined into one to create the Illinois High School Hockey League. George is the director of the
league and has worked as a high school league director for 25 years.
Because of his efforts to pioneer youth hockey and serve as a leader of rule changes, he was inducted into the
Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.
George got involved in hockey because his four sons wanted to play the sport. He coached youth hockey and
worked his way up to a league director when he created the West Suburban Hockey League, which later merged
with the Illinois Suburban Hockey League.
The retired printer also finds time to help his youngest and oldest sons with stock car racing and used to race his
own car.
“All my life, I’ve been going to racetracks because it’s in our blood,” George says.
He attributes his success to his wife, Karen, who has been at his side for 40 years.
“Without her, I’d be nothing,” he says. “I never would have made the Hall of Fame.”
Hockey Leader Gives Back to Collie Rescue
George Hayes with his dogs during
racing days
Heartworm
By Kym McNabney
Do I purchase a puppy or an adult dog? That is the question many
of us face when deciding on a new pet.
I admit that in the past this was not a question for me because a
puppy was all I considered. So why do we want a puppy? Who can
resist that cute little fluffy face? It’s nice to start with a clean
slate. And we’d like to think that the younger they are, the fewer
the issues. But as anyone who has purchased a puppy knows, that
isn’t always the case.
Breeds have different attributes, such as how much they bark,
how much grooming is needed and how energetic they will be. For
those of us who have owned several dogs, we’ve learned that
each dog, no matter what the breed, has its own personality.
When we think of adopting an adult dog, thoughts of what issues
they will bring with them prevail. Are they good with kids? Do
they get along with other dogs? Are they food-aggressive?
When choosing a puppy versus a dog, it’s best to read up on
breed characteristics. Make sure they’ll be a good match for your
lifestyle. You need to be ready for the potential challenges of that
particular breed. You’ll want to consider how often you are home
and how much time you’ll invest in training a dog.
Puppy Pros:
They’re adorable. You have a fresh slate for training. Fun and
playful. They are less emotionally and behaviorally challenged in
many ways.
Puppy Cons:
You need to find a reputable breeder, rather than purchasing from
a pet shop supplied by puppy mills. The dreaded potty training
with the inevitable accidents. Getting up in the middle of the night
to let them out, early in the morning and late at night. You won’t
be able to leave them home alone for too long. Chewing items in
your home. Spaying or neutering costs and purchase cost.
We’ve brought a puppy into our home. As much as I adore pup-
pies, this stage can be challenging, similar to having a baby.
Adopted Doggy Pros:
Up to date on their shots. No more puppy shots. Spaying or neu-
tering included in adoption fees. Generally house-trained/potty-
trained or close to it. Often know basic commands. Can quickly
adapt to your home and lifestyle. And you get to participate in
that change as you bond. Immediate gratification when you’re a
part of saving a dog from a bad situation.
7
CRGI won first place with its
exhibit at the popular Fall
Scarecrow Fest in St. Charles
and took home $350 to help
our cause.
Collies, dressed in stripes,
were held in the Tombstone
Jail and begged passers-by to
make bail. It was a fun fund-
raiser as the bail pail filled and
all were released.
Our exhibit, featuring “Doc
Colliday,” was entered in the
whimsical category.
Surrounded
by tombstones, Doc Colliday
sat in the Tombstone Jail to
incarcerate evil humans.
Doc successfully brought jus-
tice to all dogs, jailing apathy,
greed, ignorance and cruelty.
He “deep-sixed” puppy mills,
dog fighting, animal abuse,
neglect and hunger, bringing
all dogs law and order.
Thanks to Michelle Hirsch,
Diane Cymerman and Gail and
Art Diedrichsen for creating our
fantastic exhibit. Thanks also
to the many volunteers and
their collies who came out to
man the booth on that cold
and blustery weekend. In spite
of the weather, everybody had
a great time.
Thoughts on New Additions
Scarecrow Fest
See DOG OR PUPPY, page 8
Diane
Cymerman
8
Doggy Cons:
They may have emotional and behavioral problems, which can be a challenge to address. It may be
very difficult to find the triggers to teach them new tricks. You won’t get to watch them grow into an
adult. No puppy pictures. Time with them may be limited, depending on how old they are when you
adopt them.
We’ve adopted older dogs. The first time, we struggled with a couple of issues for a few years. But
they were resolved with love, time and guidance from the shelter. She was a joy to our family for
many years, and we miss her dearly.
Recently we adopted an 8-month-old dog from Collie Rescue of Greater Illinois – not quite a puppy
and yet not an adult. We were his foster home and he is our first “foster failure,” meaning he never
made it out of our house.
Our daughter wanted her own dog. We were exploring puppies when Hammie, our foster failure,
joined us. After only a few days, my daughter dropped to the floor and wrapped her arms around him
with tears streaming down her cheeks and announced, “This is my dog.”
Often people don’t consider a rescue or shelter when looking for a puppy. Though it’s true they aren’t
as readily available, you can find them. Ask to be put on a waiting list. But if you’re thinking an older
dog is for you, a great option is fostering. You just might end up a foster failure too!
Vicki Wilder, President
Kim Zandstra, Vice President
Tina Kiselka, Treasurer
Caroline Lewis, Secretary
Robert Olson, Webmaster/IT
John Cymerman, Chairperson
Michelle Hirsch, Event Coordinator
Michelle Rogers, Adoption Coordinator
Susie Moncek, Foster Home Coordinator
Collie Rescue of Greater Illinois, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation
established in 1995. We provide shelter and care to purebred collies
which have been abandoned or turned in to shelters. Email
info@collierescue.org, call (630) 415-1206 or visit the website
www.collierescue.org.
Board Members
DOG OR PUPPY, from page 7
Hammie and Bryanna
Kid’s Corner
Madilyn Di Salvo’s
grandson with King
MacKenna and Hammie
Hammie and Bryanna
Juliana and Rufus