THE GERMAN SHEPHERD SENTINEL
MARCH 2007 - NEWSLETTER
OF THE
GSDC OF GREATER RALEIGH
Pat Embrey, Newsletter Editor
1390 Sanders Road, Benson, NC 27504
PH: 919-934-6232, E-Mail: VonRillca@aol.com
Website: www.gsdcofgrraleigh.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Board Policy on Dogs at Club Sponsored Events\
2. March Meeting Information
3. February Minutes
4. GSDCA Board-O-Gram
5. Thank You Note from AKC
6. New Microchip Program from AKC
BOARD POLICY ON DOGS AT CLUB SPONSORED EVENTS
The GSDC of Greater Raleigh welcomes your German Shepherd at our events, including meetings. However, the following rules must be followed:
1. Anyone with an aggressive dog (one that growls, snaps, or is in any way aggressive towards other dogs or people) must be muzzled.
2. Dogs will be free of loose hair and external parasites (fleas or ticks). Please brush your dog prior to bringing it to the meeting as we must clean up the room after we are finished.
3. For the safety of all members, guests and their dogs, it is strongly recommended that all dogs be kept up to date on their vaccinations. ALL dogs that are old enough, MUST have a current rabies shot.
MARCH 2007 MEETING INFORMATION
The next meeting of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Raleigh will be held on Wednesday, March 7 at the Exchange Park. Socialization will begin at 7:00 PM with the program starting at 7:30 PM. All well behaved dogs are also invited to attend the meeting along with their owners (who I hope are equally well behaved). The program will consist of the following: In preparation for the upcoming club sponsored specialty show and benefit of the new club members, Mary Bjelica will provide a review of the breed standard for the German Shepherd. She will use lecture, video and live examples to relay what judges are looking for in the GSD at a specialty show; as well as, comparing some of our club dogs to the breed standard as posted on our parent club website.
Refreshments will be furnished by Deeda Duncan.
Meeting Minutes From
February 7, 2007
Program: Sergeant Phil Medlin of the Raleigh K-9 Unit gave a presentation of the K-9 program and brought three dogs to demonstrate some of their skills. The unit was established in 1983 and they now have 16 dogs, including 9 patrol dogs, 2 drug interdiction dogs and 4 bomb dogs. All the dogs are either GSD or Belgium Malinois and are imported from overseas, either Germany or the Czech Republic, at a cost of between $4,000 and $8,500 each. The Raleigh Kennel Club started the program by offering to purchase the first dog and has been donating the dogs ever since. Each dog and handler undergo 15 weeks of training that includes tracking (not trailing), narcotics, building search, agility, obedience, apprehension and protection. The dogs live with their handlers and when it is time to retire the dog, the handler is allowed to pay $1 and keep the dog.
Meeting: The club show is coming up March 23 & 24 in conjunction with the Tarheel Circuit as it was last year. Deda reported that she has lined up the photographer. Entries have been slow to come in, possibly because this year’s show is being held at the same time as one in Beaumont, TX. We hope that members will bring ice chests and water for the show.
Bill Pfeiffer talked about the parent club and some concerns they have about dog brokers.
Treasurer’s Report: Sara reported a new balance of $4,478.63. Please remember to send your dues to her as soon as possible. Also please consider donating money for the trophies for this year’s show- any help is greatly appreciated.
Board O Gram
January 2007 Board Meeting of The German Shepherd Dog Club of America
Written by Dr. Tom T. Mesdag
Edited and approved by Lew Bunch
Highlights of the January Board Meeting
The GSDCA Board meeting was conducted on January 26 – 28, 2007 at the Holiday Inn Select, in Memphis, Tennessee.
On Friday afternoon prior to the Board Meeting, members of the Board and guests toured a potential National Site at Tunica, Mississippi.
Call to Order: The GSDCA Board Meeting was called to order by its President, Lew Bunch who introduced Laura Gilbert. Laura performed an official installation and swearing in ceremony of the 2007 GSDCA Board and the Officers. The Directors were installed as a group, and the officers were installed individually. During the installation each Director and each Officer attested to their commitment to the German Shepherd Dog and to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, its Bylaws, Policy and Procedures and its members.
Recording Secretary Report: The minutes of the 2006 Annual Meeting and the 2006 Victory Dinner were approved as amended by a unanimous vote of the Board.
The October 2006 Regular Board Meeting Minutes had not been received by all Board Members in time for review and approval. An Ad Hoc Committee consisting of Rita Sandell as Chair, Carolyn Martello and Margy Golant will present a report for Board approval at the April Board meeting that will outline the procedures for distributing the Minutes to all Board members in a timely manner. This detailed procedure is necessary to ensure that corrections and additions may be made no later than the next Board meeting so publication in the GSD Review will not be delayed.
Corresponding Secretary Report: Contracts, do you have Contracts to nominate someone to judge or run for a Board Position? If so, make sure you are using the correct contract. Contact Sharon Allbright, email is sharlen@foothill.net to verify you have the correct contract.
Annual Election: The GSDCA Members who live in Canada always seem to have mail problems when attempting to cast ballots in the annual GSDCA Election. This year, as a test, members who live in Canada and want participate in the test will be able to cast an electronic ballot.
2007 Committee Chairs:
The 2007 Committee Chairs were unanimously approved as follows:
AKC Delegate – Carmen Battaglia(cbattaglia@mindspring.com), AGSD Charitable Foundation – Tish Walker(TishW@aol.com), Award of Excellence (AOE) - Jane Kerner(jkerner@wi.rr.com), Connie Beckhardt Award – Carolyn Martello(marhaven@jps.net), Don Cliff Memorial Good Sportsmanship Award – Kris Fasano (f.fasano@worldnet.att.net), Dual Awards – Daphne Szczuka (andaka@aol.com) , GSDCA Award of Health – Julie Richards (mostosky@msu.edu), Lamar Kuhns Award – George Berstler(georgeberstler@comcast.com), Lloyd Brackett Award – Gary Szymczak (Pagairs@aol.com), Performance Award of Merit (PAM) – Lori Nickeson(Debruts@aol.com), Roll of Honor – Lew Bunch(Lewieb@aol.com), Blanche Beisswenger Memorial Hero Dog- Helen Miller Fisher(Vprezhmf@aol.com), Board O Gram / Bylaws – Dr. Thomas Mesdag(vonnassau@wvi.com), Board Orientation – Laura Gilbert (LauraEG@aol.com), Breed Rescue – Linda Kury(LindaKury@saber.net), Breeders Code – Jamie Walker(windwalkergsds@cs.com), Budget and Finance – Gary Szymczak(Pagairs@aol.com), Canadian Liaison – Peter Crawford(crawford@lindsaycomp.on.ca), Education – Helen Gleason(Helengleasonus@yahoo.com), Ethics – Dan Dwier(dcdwier@comcast.net), Futurity – Nancy Harper (Nancy@heinerburgshepherds.com), GSD Historical Preservation –Tom and Vivian Brown(Gsdbroon@aol.com) and Dick Whalen(RFWFORGSD@aol.com), Health and Genetics Committee – Barbara Lee Williams(santanagsd1954@cs.com), Herding Field Chair – Sandy Moore(sandy@stockdog.com), Herding Liasion – Helen Gleason(Helengleasonus@yahoo.com), Insurance – Dan Smith(Darbdan@aol.com),
Internet and Website – Bill Pfeiffer(GreyPines@aol.com), and John Ayotte(john@jmadesign.com), Juniors – Nancy Godek McDonald(SurigoGSD@hotmail.com), Legal Affairs – Kris Fasano(f.fasano@worldnet.att.net), Membership – Dania Karloff (Daniakarloff@aol.com), National Specialty Show Chairman – Nanci Nellis(Crosstimbr@aol.com), Newsletter – Ann Mesdag(vonnassau@wvi.com), Obedience – Dalene McIntire(dalene.mcintire@verizon.net), Parent Club Office – Laura Gilbert(GSDCAoffice@aol.com), Policy and Procedures Manual – Joan Fox(campaigners@adelphia.net), Procurement and Contracts – Bill Pfeiffer(GreyPines@aol.com), Products – Bart Barley(GSDChablis@aol.com), Public Education Coordinator (PEC) – Bob Braue(rbraue@comcast.net) and Colette Skinner(Majteach@aol.com), Public Relations – Cyndy Davis(cyndyinseattle@hotmail.com), Purina Alliance – Laura Gilbert(PurinaAlliance@aol.com), RALEEF - Paul Root(rivendellp@sbcglobal.net),
Red Book – Liz Leschorn(Lealynn@aol.com), Regional Clubs – Kelly Knight(Hadderway@comcast.net), Review Editor/Management – Susan Casey(GSDReview@aol.com), Review Editorial – Lee Smith(DelibizLee@aol.com),
Review Marketing – Marilyn Rossi-Smith (Darbdan@aol.com) and Becky Dickson (GretchAnya@aol.com), ROM Dams –Cappy Pottle & Gloria Birch (cth4gbir@aol.com), ROM Sires – Doris Estabrook (Irrenhaus4@charter.net),
Search and Rescue – Barbara Bleat(vdanhoffer@aol.com), Select Excellent – Patty Szymczak(pagairs@aol.com), Show Sites /Board Meeting Travel – Joan Fox(campaigners@adelphia.net), Strategic Planning – Carmen Battaglia(cbattaglia@mindspring.com), Temperament Committee – Jim York(TotalDogman@aol.com), Thirteen Club – Carolyn Putnam(kleinkauf2@cox.net), Title Pins and Certificates – Pamela Stoesser(pkstoesser@earthlink.net), Training Achievement Awards – Judith Ecklund(Voneckgsd@aol.com), Video & Archivist –Carmen Battaglia(cbattaglia@mindspring.com), WDA Liaison, SV, WUSV, COAPA – David Landau(dlandau@hal.physast.uga.edu), Working Dog Sport - David Landau(dlandau@hal.physast.uga.edu)
President’s Report: The election of the Executive Committee was approved unanimously by the Board. The 2007 Executive Committee is members as follows:
Lew Bunch, Chair; Carmen Battaglia, Bill Pfeiffer, Gary Szymczak, and Kris Fasano.
Lew proposed the formation of a new committee for the preservation of the GSDCA History. He suggested that we establish something in memory of Bob Penny and this new project just might be the start towards that goal of honoring Bob.
The Board of Directors unanimously approved the formation of a committee for the preservation of GSDCA History. Named the GSDCA Historical Preservation Committee. This committee, chaired by Dick Whalen, Tom and Vivian Brown will Develop a 501c3 legal entity non profit for charitable purposes an organization under the auspices of the GSDCA (ala Charitable foundation). The committee will provide the methods for bequests and wills that donors may utilize; review/receive possible donations and begin storage in environmentally secure area; develop the committee, conduct interviews, prepare advertisements and undertake other tasks to further the work of the resulting entity.
Nominating Committee:
The Nominating Committee has been elected; Gary Szymczak has been elected as Committee Chairperson. The elected committee members are as follows:
1) Mid America Randy Cliff alternate – Lee Brown
2) Heartland Amy Safdir alternate – Lamar Frederick
3) West Lori Nickerson alternate – Jamie Walker
4) Northeast Donna Calabrese alternate – none
Treasurer’s Report:
The final 2006 audited financials, which will be available at the April 2007 Board Meeting. When approved, they will be placed on the GSDCA.org web site in the Member’s Only Section.
We had a very successful financial year for 2006. The GSDCA revenue after expenses exceeded $80,000.00.
The National as reported by Nanci Nellis, Show Chairman was financially successful. Bill Pfeiffer will give a more detailed analysis once the audited financials are available.
GSD Review operations were positive by more than $3,000.00. Susan Casey has not only improved revenues by 15% but also reduced operating expenses by more than 10%.
The Red Book was positive by $6,900.00 (more than double 2005). This is directly attributed to Liz Leschorn’s efforts, which, through a competitive bid process, reduced the printing and binding cost by 40% while maintaining the high quality of the overall publication.
As a benefit to the membership it was decided to eliminate the internet convenience fee for web site purchases and GSD Review credit card service fee. This will reduce net revenue by $2,500.00.
Tim Wheat from Rhea and Ivey addressed the Board about new audit requirements resulting from the Sabanes-Oxley Act.
AKC Delegate Report:
A full Delegate Report is available on the GSDCA web site – Members Only section.
GSDCA will send a letter of explanation and a brochure “Dealing with Misconduct” to all Regional Clubs and Futurity Host Clubs. The focus is Event Committee responsibilities dealing with incidents at shows such as unentered dogs.
The GSDCA Board voted to reaffirm that there was no interest in changing the breed standard to allow the color white. AKC will be notified of this decision.
The GSDCA Board sent a letter of thanks to all those who contributed their time and energy at “Meet the Breeds,” National Dog Shows on December 2-3, 2006 in Long Beach, California. A letter will also be sent to the Atlanta GSDC, Mary Gattone and the Landau’s for their work in hosting the first Working Dog Sport Training event. The WDS was approved by the AKC and is effective as of 1/1/07.
The letter from the Canine Health Foundation regarding their procedures for funding grants was read and reviewed. The specifics regarding the funding of Degenerative Myelopathy research and the new technology being used was explained.
Strategic Planning Committee:
The Committee met via teleconference call and the overall discussion was on improving National Specialty attendance, Futurity/Maturity attendance, and increasing membership.
The call focused on the following four topics of consideration:
- Streamline the judging of the conformation show to three days and no more than eight hours of judging each day.
- Find one site and contract it for five years. The site must be located where the highest number of members can attend within a twelve-hour drive. This approach is modeled after the very successful Canadian National.
- Increase Obedience to two trials during the National.
- Radically revamp the Futurity system.
Plan to attend the Strategic Planning Session on Friday evening at the April Board meeting for further discussion of these topics.
Budget & Finance Committee:
All Committee Chairs must contact Gary Szymczak (Pagairs@aol.com) regarding budget requirements, no later than 45 days prior to our April Board Meeting.
National Specialty:
Show dates for Ft. Collins, Colorado are October 15-20, 2007. Herding and Tracking will be held the weekend before. Sandy Moore is Herding Chairman and Lew Bunch is Tracking Chairman.
The first AKC Working Dog Sport Trial will be held Friday, October 19, 2007 and Saturday, October 20, 2007 at a site near Ft. Collins. David Landau, WDS Committee Chair approved these dates and named Tim Cruser as WDS Trial Chairman.
With Board approval, the Advance Brochure will be mailed to members in May. Be sure to bring it with you to the 2007 National as it will have information in it that is not in the Premium. The Show Committee were presented and approved. Dog friendly hotels have been secured for Colorado. The Larimer County facility (The Ranch) in Colorado is an outstanding facility for our events.
National Specialty Photographer: A new performance/action/still show photographer will be needed beginning with the 2007 show. If you would like to apply, please contact Bill Pfeiffer to ask for our Request for Performance (RFP) at greypines@aol.com . The RFP will be available after the Board meeting.
Show Sites: The Board voted to go to a site in Lake Conroe, Texas for the April Board Meeting.
Obedience:
Please send the names of judges you would like to see nominated to officiate at the GSDCA National Obedience Trial, and Dalene McIntire will try to get them on the slate.
Futurities:
Premium lists for Futurity/Maturity and Amateur Futurity/Maturity have been mailed out. The two premium lists are on different colors for clarification.
There are three Regions offering the Amateur Venue: Great Lakes, Mid-West and Southern Pacific. Dogs and Bitches may be shown in both venues.
Bids to host the 2009 Futurity should be sent to Nancy Harper. The forms are located on the PC Web Site.
AOE Committee:
The AOE Committee is pleased to announce 2 qualifiers for the Award of Excellence in this quarter. Sel. Ex. Ch. Breal’s Easy Does It OFA RN TC Owners: Manuel Campo, Barbara Hefner & Kevin Reynolds Breeders: Manual Campo & Hiram Isalgue, Jr. US GV Ch./Can. Sel. Ch. Wayside’s Honky Tonk Man OFA PT TC Owners: Laura Mulligan & Dr. Robert Kish Breeders: Laura Mulligan & Eugene Warrick.
Performance Award of Merit:
The Performance Award of Merit was earned by 11 dog and handler teams in 2006. That’s the most we’ve had so far. The program continues to be very popular. Congratulations.
Select Excellent Award:
At the 2006 National this year, we had 11 Select Excellent Dogs, of which 7 are new. There were 6 Select Excellent Bitches, of which 2 are new.
Breeders Code: Jamie Walker presented a draft of the proposed New Breeders’ Code. After discussion, an AD Hoc Committee chaired by Jamie and including Carolyn Martello, Margy Golant and Paul Root will work with Jamie and present a final version for Board approval at the April Board meeting.
By-Laws: Yes, the By-Laws are in the process of being revised. Please be ready by the annual meeting to vote for these changes. Since many sections need minor changes, please be prepared to review these and vote favorably.
Education Committee:
The Education committee will provide 1) an annual update to the Education Section of the www.GSDCA.org parent club web site. This will provide information on judges, education events, committee contacts, German Shepherd Dog Breeder Judges, list of approved presenters and tutors, and will provide approved educational programs for presentation at regional club meetings. 2) Plan and implement the annual Judges Education Seminar in conjunction with the GSDCA National Specialty. 3) Assist Regional Specialty Clubs and Cluster all breed clubs with the implementation of Educations Seminars on the German Shepherd Dog. 4) Develop a breed packet to provide to all who attend the seminars. 5) Provide a certificate of attendance to those who participate in the approved judges’ seminar. 6) A DVD has been developed and will be provided free of charge to member clubs and for use at the educational programs.
Membership Committee:
The Membership Chair requests that the President appoint a committee to review the process of GSDCA membership applications and bring recommendations to the April meeting. These recommendations should include updating the current By-Laws. Lew appointed an Ad Hoc Committee as requested, the members are Tish Walker, Chair; Carmen Battaglia, Gail Hardcastle and Dania Karloff. This Ad Hoc Committee will bring a full report to the April Board Meeting detailing the process and improvements to the Membership Application, possible Bylaws changes and a possible Code of Ethics for all GSDCA members to sign. The Ad-Hoc committee will take into consideration Board recommendations to bar wholesalers and commercial distributors of puppies and dogs and to also include those who sell puppies and dogs to pet shops.
Products Committee:
Gary Szymczak, Products Chairman would like to thank everyone who supported our GSDCA Products Committee during the course of 2006. Gary sends a very special “Thank You” to Ann & Theis Mesdag and the committee members for their support and hard work during his five-year tenure as your products chairman. Gary Szymczak, Products Chairman will work closely with his successor, Bart Bartley, to ensure a profitable 2007.
Purina Alliance: This is a reminder to the membership–please report breedings to Laura Gilbert (PurinaAlliance@aol.com) for the points tally.
RALEEF: The RALEFF Committee will submit legislative alerts and other articles from guest authors for publication in the GSD Review.
The American German Shepherd Rescue Association, Inc.
Executive Summary:
The AGSRA is a 501 c 3 fund raising/educational organization. The funds we receive are used to advance the work of organizations rescuing German Shepherd Dogs. This meets our goal of protecting the German Shepherd Dog from suffering due to cruelty, homelessness, ignorance, neglect and misuse.
Programs include:
1. Web site with on line directory: www.agsra.com
2. Directory of rescues by state: A directory of German Shepherd rescue organizations is
maintained and updated annually. Currently there are over 125 rescues across the
United States.
3. The Help Line referral network: 630-529-7396. A voice mail message directs the
caller to the contact in their region.
4. Grants to rescue groups.
5. Emergency rescue response.
6. Distribution of rescue guidelines/consultation.
Working Dog Sport Committee:
The AKC Working Dog Sport (WDS) went into operation on January 1, 2007. Any Regional Club with an interest in assisting with the organization of a GSDCA WDS trial should contact the WDS Committee Chair, David Landau, 115 Deerfield Rd Dr. Bogart, GA 30622 or via e-mail dlandau@hal.physast.uga.edu.
GSDCA-WDA Liaison:
The GSDCA-WDA is soliciting contributions for the travel support for the GSDCA Team at the World Championship in Bratislava, Slovakia. Checks should be sent to GSDCA-WDA Treasurer, Martylou Plinski, 245 Deerhill Dr., Bogart, GA 30622 and marked for the World Team Fund.
Thank You Note
We got a nice thank you note to the GSDC of Greater Raleigh members from the American Kennel Club, thanking us for our participation at the AKC Educational Match. It went on to say that our club’s support helped make this event a success. Participation at this event fulfills your match requirements for 2007, and is signed by Robin Stansell. Thanks to all the members who participated.
New Microchip Program
The American Kennel Club has announced a new microchip product that the AKC Companion Animal Recovery ID System is recommending at a lower price This microchip will be offered for $9.95 per chip and enrollment with the AKC CAR (Companion Animal Recovery ID System) program. It is reputed to offer a smaller microchip with less chance of migration. Sounds like a great idea so we will spread the word to our own Veterinarians.
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