Date: Fri 12-Jul-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

dog-No1-Wismar-Curtis

Full Text:

Newtown's Number One Dog

with photo

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

It seems befitting that Newtown's Number One Dog, Digger Wismar, has a regal

heritage.

Of 1,197 dogs licensed by June 30, Digger's name was drawn by Town Clerk Cindy

Curtis to receive the honor of wearing the No. 1 tag. The Italian greyhound

also was given a coupon for free rabies vaccination at next year's clinic and

a 25 lb bag of his favorite food (Pedigree, of course) - both donated by the

town clerk's office staff.

The dog food should last the miniature greyhound for quite a few months - that

is, only if the Wismar's other dog, Blitz the whippet, doesn't get ideas about

sharing the spoils of victory.

"The [Italian greyhound] breed originates from Greece. And these dogs were

well used and loved in Rome," said Pastor Gregory Wismar. "They were used in

courts in the Renaissance. Queen Victoria bred her own, had her own kennel...

You see the dogs in portraits of that time."

In Rome, signs were hung on the houses which, translated, read Beware Of Dog.

This was not because the canines were vicious, but rather were so small and

delicate that owners didn't want people stepping on them, said Pastor Wismar.

While half of the Wismar family was in Germany last year, sisters Betsy and

Sarah went to look at puppies. Sarah fell in love with Digger, but it was her

sister who convinced her to get the dog.

Digger, now 1, is a family dog, but he spends much of his day trailing after

16-year-old Jessica Wismar in particular. Italian greyhounds are "very bright"

dogs. So now that Digger has discovered there is no vet hiding in Edmond Town

Hall, he will probably forego the shakes on his next visit.

All dogs in Newtown must be licensed through the town clerk's office which is

open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. Proof of rabies vaccination must

be presented when licensing a dog, and a discount is given to altered canines

if the spay or neuter certificate is shown. For more information or to find

out about obtaining a license by mail, call the office at 270-4210.