• Favorite Veterinarians

• Health Links: This site has hundreds of links to canine health information of all kinds, ranging from allergies and autoimmune disorders to digestive tract and endocrine disorders. Definitely one to bookmark.

• Emergency Animal Clinics

• Questions about Grooming

National Pet Recovery Hotline: 1-800-984-8638. Whenever your pet is lost, this is one of your first places of help to report your missing friend. This 24-hour service will help you to locate your pet. Lost pets usually end up in an animal shelter before the county or city steps in. Members pay $25.00 for the lifetime of the pet or $55.00 to find the pet for free and non-members pay $50 and above.

Legal Hotline: 1-800-555-6517. I think my neighbors are abusing their pet. Can I do any thing to stop them? Here is the number to call. To know your rights and how to go about expressing your displeasures, this number is for you. But try not to call because you don't that like someone's method of training his or her dog. Animal Legal Defense Fund help with landlord-tenant issues, vet problems, neglect and any form of abuse.

National Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435. In a life and death situation when every minute counts for your cat, dog or other pet, this 24-hour manned emergency number is your pet lifesaver. Sponsored in part by 36 different companies along with a $45.00 charge for consultation.

Emergency Disaster Hotline: 1-800-227-4645. Provided by the American Humane Association, this number is your first point of call in earthquake preparedness for your pets or any disaster, what to do and where to go. They provide support and relief information.

Pet Loss Support Hotline: 1-888-478-7574. Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine provides a source for emotional support for those who have lost an animal friend or are anticipating the loss of their pet. Veterinary students at the college man this free service. A 24-hour touch phone line where you can leave a message and someone will return your phone call. Seven days a week 6:00pm-9:00pm CST, May to August, Wednesdays and Fridays 6:00pm-9:00pm. This free service is funded by the Iams Company and dedicated in memory of Krista Rankin who organized the initial group

Spay Helpline: 1-800-248-SPAY. One way to prevent several unwanted lovely pets from ending up in shelters or destroyed is to spay or neuter them. Thousands of abandoned and unwanted pets are euthanized yearly due to over irresponsible breeding and other factors. So before you consider giving off your pet to the shelter, this organization can help you. SPAY USA provides free or low cost services to all. Call them for an appointment and locations of over 950 programs and clinic nationwide. Your local Shelters also help in providing similar services.

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Why Norfolk and Norwich Terriers Are Hard to Find

So, you've been wondering why it is so hard to get a Norfolk or Norwich puppy -- or an adult, for that matter.

In this case, the figures tell the story.

According to registration stats from the AKC, there just aren't that many Nors around. From 1984 through 1995, a total of 3,819 Norwiches and 2,994 Norfolks were registered.

If we grant them an average 12-year-life span (which is probably somewhat too low), and then figure the birth rate continues at the same pace, we now have roughly 4,400 Norwiches and just over 3,000 Norfolks in the whole country!

And you wonder why you have to wait!

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How Can I Get a Norfolk or Norwich Terrier?

Norwich and Norfolk Terriers are not readily available, but if you really love these breeds and are willing to work hard, you should be able to find a pup for your very own.

These terriers have very small litters, so breeders are very protective of the pups they nurture. Once you make contact with breeders, you will be asked to answer many detailed questions about your lifestyle, your home, your family and your previous experience with dogs. And, you can expect to pay more than $2000 for a puppy, whether for show or a pet.

Nearly all breeders have a waiting list for puppies, so you may have to wait a year or more.

The International Norfolk and Norwich Terrier Club does not endorse individual breeders, nor do we give out a list of breeders. The very best way to contact breeders is at dog shows, where you can see their animals and meet the breeders first hand. (However, we highly recommend that you wait until after ring time before trying to strike up a conversation!)

To locate shows in your area, check the web site, <www.infodog.com> or the American Kennel Club <www.akc.org>. You can pull up a listing of shows in states within your area. When you make note of the show dates and locations, also note the show superintendent's name. Then about a week before the show, after entries are closed, consult the superintendent's web site to determine if Norwich and/or Norfolk Terriers are entered. Run a regular web search or consult <www.caninetimes.com> to find the superintendent's web site. The superintendent's pages will tell the number of the breeds entered, ring time and ring number, all listed under judging program. Looking at the premium list will usually give you directions to the show and sometimes a map as well.

You will learn a lot about the breeds in your discussions with breeders and eventually establish relationships with some who will put you on their waiting lists for a pup.

Also, if you aren't totally committed to having a puppy, but really want a Norfolk or Norwich Terrier, do ask the breeders you meet about adult dogs they may be planning to rehome. Retired show dogs, retired breeding animals and young dogs who didn't quite develop show potential make wonderful pets and present special opportunities for fanciers of the breeds.

But please, if you aren't absolutely, hopelessly, 100 percent smitten with Norfolk and Norwich Terriers, please consider adopting a homeless dog instead.

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• Behavior, Obedience, and Agility Training:

WAGGIN' TRAIN - Canine Behavior, Obedience, Agility, and Conformation Show Training - Scottsdale AZ (480) 510-1148 Email: waggintrain@aol.com (owner: Patti Booher)

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