The following article was published in the BeaCon newsletter and is reprinted with permission of the author Chris Walkowicz.   BeaCon (Bearded Collie Foundation for Health) is a private foundation formed by Bearded Collie fanciers to establish an open health registry for Bearded Collies and to educate the breeder and future puppy buyer. Chris Walkowicz is a long time Bearded Collie and German Shepherd breeder and owner, who now has her AKC  judges license and has written several books.

BONUSES

By Chris Walkowicz

I've always been a strong believer in openness about health issues. Of course, I've filled out my health surveys and sent them in to BeaCon. (It didn't take long to reach its destination since I'm one of the coordinators inputting the information.

But I wanted to know that my puppies were doing ok. Naturally I've heard from any who have had problems. (Isn't that always the way it goes? We don't squeak unless we have something to squawk about.) So I finally finished my book deadline and reached for my files. 110 puppies over the past 25 years, ACK! Gritting our teeth, Ed copied the survey forms while I typed envelopes along with a cover letter asking owners to please help us gain knowledge on Beardie health. I even sent it to those whose Beardies had passed on years ago -- not everyone will still have records, but some might.

Sure, it took a little time -- much more than filling out surveys on my own dogs. (If they're healthy, it's an easy five minutes. If they've had problems, it might take ten or fifteen minutes.) Not all have responded. But it's worth the effort. This job had definite bonuses. I discovered who had moved without notifying me. (Imagine not remembering to notify your 10-yr.-old dog's owner that you've moved! I can't understand having anything else more important on their minds!) I also received wonderful letters about their WunderBeardies, and an even bigger bonus -- PICTURES!  And, it meant healthy dogs to add to the registry, not just those with problems.

But the biggest bonus of all is knowing we're helping Beardies of the future -- and their owners -- to have a better quality life. The more we know, the more we can avoid producing problems. We can take that bonus and bank it!

Chris Walkowicz, the Bearded Lady

	Download the WSSCA health  survey
	Take the  WSSCA health survey on line