EMILY
GEORGE
It's time for the dogs to strut their stuff
Pet Tales
Saturday, March 21, 2009
By
Linda Wilson Fuoco
Bill Wade/Post-Gazette
Amy Coglio and her mastiff, George, will compete in the Western Pennsylvania Kennel Association meet next weekend.
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That's the first line of the first book in a popular series of children's stories, beautifully written by Cynthia Rylant and charmingly illustrated by Sucie Stevenson.
Henry had no friends, either, until a gentle giant of a dog entered his life. The dog's name was Mudge.
Our son, Dante, has no brothers and sisters. As a pre-schooler, Dante liked the Henry and Mudge books, but I absolutely loved them. They made me laugh. They made me cry, especially when Mudge was briefly lost and Henry was heartbroken.
Mudge is fawn-colored with a black face. I don't recall the author identifying his breed, but Mudge sure looks like an English mastiff.
A real-life 202-pound dog named George "does Mudge impressions at elementary schools," says Amy Coglio of Mount Washington.
George, 3, is a purebred English mastiff and family pet of John and Amy Coglio and sons Josh, 20, and Andy, 18, and daughter Emily, 14, who has done much of George's training.
George is a certified therapy dog who has made nearly 100 official visits to schools, patients at Children's Hospital in Oakland, and college students at the Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus.
I met George recently during one of his therapy gigs at the Cathedral, where he's a big hit with students. His size makes him stand out in any crowd, and then you're charmed by his demeanor, which is sweet, calm and gentle.
"George is first and foremost a family pet," Mrs. Coglio said.
He also competes in dog shows, where he is known as International-American Champion Erieside Straight to Coalhill.
Next weekend, George will be meeting and greeting the public at the Western Pennsylvania Kennel Club shows at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown. At least 35 show dogs will be available for a new attraction called "Meet the Breeds." A special section away from the show rings will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Owners, breeders and handlers will answer quations about their breed.
The goal is to educate the public and help prospective dog owners pick a breed that fits their lifestyle. Well-known breeds -- including dachshunds, poodles and collies -- will participate, as well as breeds you'll seldom see outside a dog show, such as the Chinese crested, Tibetan spaniel and spinone Italiano.
This is the second year that AKC shows have included this feature, said Mrs. Coglio, who helped set up the local lineup. When she participated last year, a frequently asked mastiff question was, "Do they drool much?"
The answer is "yes" and the advice is to keep towels and wipes on hand for easy cleanup. Other breeds have a tendency to be heavy droolers, including St. Bernards and Newfoundlands. Anyone who has a problem with that is advised to seek another breed.
When you talk to these people, you may get the impression that they're trying to talk you OUT of acquiring their breed.
"We just want to make sure people get a dog that is right for them," Mrs. Coglio said.
Some breeds are prone to specific health problems, and responsible breeders will be up-front about that. With the huge, heavy-boned mastiffs, hip and joint problems are a concern.
An array of genetic tests can now be done on dogs used for breeding, including tests for joint problems and eye conditions and diseases. Responsible breeders will have the tests done, and prospective dog buyers should ask for the test results.
About 2,000 dogs are expected to be entered in the Pittsburgh shows, which include obedience competions and junior handling. There will be an "ask the vet" booth, which has been popular in past years. Vendors will be selling toys and treats for dogs and breed-themed jewelry and clothing for dog-lovers.
Doors open at 7 a.m. and judging runs through the afternoon when the best in show dog is picked. That usually happens at about 3 p.m., but that varies from show to show.
Admission is $9 for adults and $4 for children under the age of 12.
This is NOT the kind of event where you bring your own dog. This venue is just for dogs that have been entered, weeks in advance, in the show.
Linda Wilson Fuoco can be reached at
lfuoco@post-gazette.com
JOHN AND AMY COGLIO
PITTSBURGH, PA.
412-431-2246
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