I agree, Kathy. I think the over-vaccination protocol and overworming, de-fleaing POISONS that are given to our dogs lower their immune systems. With lowered immune systems, our babies are susceptible to all kinds of things. I also agree that size doesn't have much to do with longevity-- genetics plays a big part. Ketchy (Caralon's Ketchikan of Huslyn, CD, OFA) lived to be 14+ and she was a BIG girl! Penny ********************************************************************************* I do believe however that over vaccination, and the rampant use of things like antibiotics, and flea/tick pills may be doing more harm than we realize. Genetics plays an obvious and huge role....(which is why we try to very carefully incorporate import lines) So size doesn't necessarily have much to do with it...vitality, vigor, health...comes in all sizes. Kathy ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2008. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================