Monday, April 17, 2017

Career of University of Michigan Hockey Alumnus Zach Hyman


As the owner of a northern Indiana dog breeding business, Dave Chupp raises a variety of American Kennel Club-registered breeds for sale throughout the United States. A fan of most major sports, Dave Chupp counts the University of Michigan Wolverines among his favorite hockey teams. 

Eighteen former Wolverines played in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 2016-17 season, including Zach Hyman, a winger with the Toronto Maple Leafs who led Michigan in scoring during the 2014-15 season with 54 points. The 24-year-old Hyman had 22 goals and 32 assists that season and formed a dynamic duo with linemate Dylan Larkin, who finished second on the team in scoring and now plays for the Detroit Red Wings.

Hyman was selected by the Florida Panthers in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft following a 102-point season with the Hamilton Red Wings of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. He had just 35 points combined in his first three seasons with the Wolverines before breaking out offensively with 54 in his senior season, which earned him NCAA First-Team All American status as well as Male Athlete of the Year at Michigan. The Panthers traded his rights to the Maple Leafs following the 2014-15 season; since then, Hyman has played in 95 NHL games and accumulated 34 points.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

About the French Bulldog


Dave Chupp, a professional dog breeder based in Indiana, draws on an in-depth knowledge of multiple recognized breeds. Among others, Dave Chupp breeds French bulldogs registered with the American Kennel Club.

A relaxed yet affectionate breed, the French bulldog is ideal for the apartment-dwelling owner. The dogs require little in the way of daily exercise, other than a walk or gentle play session. They are often happiest relaxing with their owners in a comfortable chair, and they tend to adapt well when owners need to be away.

French bulldogs do not bark excessively, yet will let owners know when a visitor is at the door. They will vocalize a warning but are not active protectors of the household, as it is unlikely they will attack an intruder. Bulldogs may in fact be shy around new people, particularly children.

French bulldogs do need regular grooming, however. Its fast-growing claws require regular clipping, and the ears should receive frequent inspection to avoid infections caused by wax buildup. Owners must also watch the dog's diet carefully, as the French bulldog is prone to digestive problems. A veterinarian can advise on this and other breed-specific health issues.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Perfecting the Chicken Breast on the Grill


Dave Chupp is a respected Nappanee, Indiana, business owner who leads a dog breeding operation and takes pride in puppies that are healthy and well-loved. A barbecue enthusiast, Dave Chupp particularly enjoys grilling ribeye steaks, baby back ribs, and chicken. 

One of the most difficult types of meat to get right on the grill, chicken breast features uneven dimensions that mean that cooking the center properly can often result in the thinner sides becoming overcooked. One solution to this problem involves evening out the thickness through the use of a meat pounder or rolling pin, with a thickness of three-quarters of an inch ideal. 

Another vital aspect of preparation involves brining the chicken breast, as immersion in the salty solution enhances the meat’s ability to retain moisture. Thirty minutes of soaking in brine is generally enough, which conveniently corresponds roughly with the time needed to get the coals going. 

Maintaining the right temperature is another key to juicy and tender meat, with a medium-high heat of approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit ideal. Cooking a few minutes on each side is typically long enough to create a nice crisp surface, while ensuring that the breast meat inside is fully cooked but still moist.

Friday, December 9, 2016

Michigan Wolverines Defense Ranked First after Rutgers Blow-Out





When Dave Chupp of Nappanee, Indiana is not managing his dog-breeding business, he spends his time watching college sports. Dave Chupp’s favorite teams are the University of Michigan’s basketball, hockey, and football teams.

After Michigan’s 78-0 defeat of Rutgers on October 6, 2016, the University of Michigan Wolverines topped the ranks and placed first in scoring defense, first in total yards gained per game, and first against the pass. The team’s defensive line dominated the game and continued to be the leading unit in the country with a total of 59 tackles for a loss. 

According to Taco Charlton, one of the team’s defensive lineman who recorded two sacks against Rutgers, the players tried to prove that they were the best defensive line in the country. The sentiment rang true, since the only time a team has ever punted the ball more times against the Michigan Wolverines was during the famous “Snow Bowl” in 1950.

Another Wolverines player, Jabrill Peppers, was quoted as saying that crazy things happen in college football and that it is not enough to be on top - a team should keep playing hard until they win the game.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Coton de Tulear - A Friendly Small Breed Originally From Madagascar

 


Dave Chupp is a longtime Nappanee, Indiana, dog breeder who raises breeds such as Havanese, French bulldogs, and golden retrievers in a healthy, loving environment. Among the sought after breeds Dave Chupp has experience raising is the Coton de Tulear. A member of the Bichon family, the breed is said to have arrived in Madagascar through a shipwreck or with traders, and interbred with local dogs.

With a fluffy white coat, the diminutive Coton is friendly and gentle, and enjoys playing. An intent listener, the breed differs from many smaller breeds in not being liable to bark frequently or yap. Taking well to training, the Coton often maintains a puppy-like joy in life well into adulthood and can often be found balanced on its two hind feet.

The most arduous aspect of maintaining an indoor Coton for many owners is finding time to groom its fluffy, luxuriant coat. Another important aspect of having a Coton is socialization and obedience training, which helps keep the breed’s sometimes headstrong nature in check.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Reducing Your Risk of Being Audited When You’re Self-Employed


For more than 10 years, Dave Chupp has been breeding and raising a wide range of puppies as the owner and manager of his own company in Indiana. Dave Chupp also has spent some time doing tax preparation work.

When you’re self-employed, you are significantly more likely to experience an IRS audit. The IRS knows what most people in your field make during the year. If you happen to make a lot more than the rest of individuals in your field, the IRS will start paying more attention to your returns. However, this does not mean you should actively try to make less. Instead, just be honest about the amount you make and keep detailed records of your finances in case there is ever a problem. Further, make sure your 1099 matches the W-2 forms they receive from clients and employers. Any discrepancies make you more likely to be audited.

Beyond income reports, be careful about what you deduct. For instance, if you deduct the cost of a home office, make sure that space is used only for work. If it is shared with anything else, you cannot deduct it. Similarly, large deductions can make your taxes seem suspicious to the IRS, especially if you have a relatively small income. If you make a deduction, make sure you have documentation and receipts to back up the expense. It may also be wise to avoid unusual deductions, such as non-work-related travel, strange entertainment expenses, and expensive meals.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Grooming a Lhasa Apso


Nappanee, Indiana, resident Dave Chupp breeds and raises puppies. Dedicated to ensuring that the puppies stay healthy, he and his family provide them with plenty of socialization. Dave Chupp breeds a wide variety of dogs, including French bulldogs, Havanese, and Lhasa Apsos.

A small and hardy breed, Lhasa Apsos require frequent bathing and grooming to ensure their coats stay healthy. Their coats should be brushed with a coated metal pin brush every day to prevent matting and tangles. Daily brushing sessions can be fairly quick, but a more thorough brushing is needed at least once a week. 

Detangling spray can help greatly when brushing through the dense fur or breaking up matting. Severe matting may need to be cut out with blunt-tipped scissors or broken up with a special mat-breaker brush. When brushing, attend to fur around the dog’s feet. Clipping a Lhasa Apso’s fur regularly will make brushing easier.

Beyond brushing and clipping, Lhasa Apsos need to be bathed every four to six weeks to keep their coat clean and soft. Shampoo should be applied and moved through wet fur in a downward motion to prevent tangling. Use a rubber curry brush to make it easier to get shampoo throughout the dog’s thick coat. Conditioner should be applied in a similar manner before the coat is completely rinsed and dried. 

Lhasa Apsos also require routine eye and ear care to remove stray hairs and prevent infections. Tearing stains can be removed using special eye washes or eye wipes found at pet supply stores, and long fur can be kept away from the eyes using a barrette.