February 2010 Newsletter                                                    

Hello Everyone, I am sorry I am late on the newsletter.  Time slipped up on me.  I wanted to let everyone know that our monthly meeting will be held on Monday, February 8th at IHOP in Conyers at 6:30pm  as usual.  We normally postpone one week due to the Westminister Show but this year we do not have to.

CONYERS KENNEL CLUB

Meeting Minutes

January 11, 2010

President Don Watson opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. by welcoming members and guests.

-Don asked for any comments or changes to the minutes as published in the Newsletter.  Motion to accept the minutes as written was made by Merry Carol Houchard, seconded by Audrey Lycan.  Minutes accepted.

-As no nominations for the board were made at the last meeting, Jerri Dandelske cast the vote to accept the slate of officers as presented by the nominating committee.   Don thanked the nominating committee for their work on this task.  Don also thanked Jerri for her work on maintaining the club website.  Jerri has asked for input from the members on what they think would improve our site.

-In December the balance of the 2009 budgeted donations were made.  At the February meeting we will evaluate 2010 budget to see if any changes should be made.  Don requested that we make a donation to the UGA Wildlife Rescue Program.

-Treasurer Rhea Spence distributed copies of the Treasurers Report.  The August Show has been settled. 

-Some things that will be discussed at the next Cluster meeting are the rising expenses of the judges.  Airlines charge for baggage and the Cluster will decide if we will pay for only one bag per person.  Many husband/wife teams are being hired to help keep the costs down.  Any suggestions from members to help reduce these costs are welcome.

-Please send any updated member information to Jerri so the membership roster / address list can be updated.  The roster will need to be submitted to AKC soon.

-Don reported that the Christmas Party was a great success.  The food was good and the company better.

-The February show is ready.  All assignments are in the premium list.  The motor home reservations are coming in.  Half of the 200 spaces are already taken.  Entries seem to be coming in and it appears that we will have a good turnout.  The Orlando show entries were down about 500 dogs per day.   Onofrio has also reported that the mid-west show entries are also down.  Members need to be at the show site at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning.  Volunteers are needed on Friday afternoon to help set up the trophy, education, obedience and catalog tables.  Randall McCurry will have the club banner put up.  Mike Houchard will take care of the supplies and shavings.  Erin has the table clothes.  Lawrenceville has the coolers.  Flowers will be use by all three clubs with the expense being shared.  The judges will be staying at the Hilton as the rates are better and they also supply a shuttle bus to transport the judges to the show site from the hotel.  Sunday there will still need to members from each club to transport the judges to the airport.  The Cluster will only pay for judge’s hotel through Saturday night unless pre-approved.  Jackie Dilworth needs help getting the Trophy cards printed as she is experiencing problems with her computer and typewriter.  Randall has volunteered to look at what can be done to get everything in time for the show.  The pole wrapping, grooming set area set up and vendor set up will take place on Wednesday. 

-The next Cluster meeting is being held Tuesday, January 12^th.  One thing that will be discussed is the length of time it has taken to settle the August show.  Judges expenses will also be discussed.

-Sue Shelton reported that the Match will be held on Sunday, May 2^nd.  We will have Obedience and will see if it is possible to have Rally and/or Agility events.  Entries will be taken from 10 – 12 with Junior Handling beginning at 12:00.  We will need volunteers to be ring stewards.  Linda Jackson will help with the judges.  Rhea Spence will take the entry fees.  Merry Carol Houchard will do the entry books.  Jackie Dilworth will get the ribbons, trophies and food.  Don Watson and Mike Houchard will do the cooking.  Set up will be done by Mike Shelton, Mike Houchard, Randall McCurry and Don Watson.  Jerri Dandelske will contact the newspapers.   Mike and Sue Shelton will bring their canopy and the club will purchase another one.  Mike Houchard will get the ring posts.  Saturday everyone will meet at the storage unit to load the equipment. 

-Linda Jackson reported that the Spring Handling Classes will begin on Tuesday, April 6^th at 7:00 p.m. and continue for six weeks.  The price per class will remain at $5.00 after a discussion on the possibility of raising the price. 

-Merry Carol Houchard reported that the Newton and Rockdale Fire Departments have not received the oxygen masks yet.  It was expected to take six weeks to get them.  She will check on the status.

-Mike Houchard reported that the AKC will vote on the Group Realignment issue at the next meeting.  Mike has no new information on the Candidates at this time.  The Ukanuba Dog Show was good.  The entries were great.  This show will move from California to Orlando for five years.

-Don will speak to Cheryl Bettis to see if she will be willing to come to a future meeting to discuss the work being done by the Wildlife Treatment Center. 

-Audrey Lycan asked for suggestions on hospitality.

-Nothing further from the other board members.

Brags:  Louise reported that she has 7 new Golden puppies and thanked Jan for saving one of the pups.

            Sue Puckett reported that she has 10 new Golden puppies.

            Don & Renae reported that they have 2 new boy Shih Tzu puppies.

With no further business to discuss Mike Shelton made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Jackie Dilworth.

Recorded by Jerri Dandelske  Secretary

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 

-- Barkfest at Bonhams Benefits AKC Humane Fund -- 

New York, NY - If you are planning to visit New York City for next month's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show don't miss an opportunity to discover fascinating canine artifacts and fine canine art as well as support the good works of the AKC Humane Fund by viewing one of its newest collections at the American Kennel Club or joining us for the annual Barkfest at Bonhams Charity Brunch.  

The American Kennel Club founded the non-profit AKC Humane Fund not only to promote responsible dog ownership and celebrate the bond between people and pets through education, outreach, and grant-making but as a meaningful way to give back to the dogs we love. Since the fund's inception one main goal has been to develop a rescue grant program for parent clubs and parent club-approved organizations. I'm proud to say that vision has now become a reality. 

To date the fund has given 9 grants of $1,000 each the first going to The Silky Terrier Rescue Charitable Trust. "Silky Rescue" began more than 20 years ago and today rescues approximately 60 dogs each year from shelters and owner surrenders nationwide. The organization places dogs in foster homes, provides needed veterinary care including vaccines, dental procedures, spays/neuters and other necessary surgeries. Once the dogs are stable, both physically and emotionally, they are adopted into new, loving homes.

In addition to the Silky Terrier Rescue Charitable Trust, other grant recipients include the Tibetan Mastiff Rescue, Inc., Arizona Basset Hound Rescue, Australian Cattle Dog Rescue, Inc., American Bouvier Rescue League, Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare Foundation, Magnolia Gordon Setter Club Rescue, American Belgian Malinois Charitable Trust, and the Akita Club of America, Inc.

The AKC Humane Fund not only "gives" but "receives" as well. A recent contribution - the antique canine-themed cane collection of Lawrence and Shirlee Kalstone featuring 98 canes - is now on display at the AKC headquarters at the entrance to the AKC Library. We encourage fanciers to come visit these delightful artifacts which besides having intricate and ornate handles transform into other uses like a sword and a rifle. The AKC Humane Fund provides fanciers an appropriate place to donate art, books or collectibles which will benefit not only those who donate to the 501 (c)3 charity but provides them a permanent home where fanciers can enjoy, appreciate and view them for generations to come. Any donations of $1,000 or more will be memorialized on a brass plaque featured on the fund's Wall of Honor at AKC. 

To further the fund's mission once again this year all proceeds from the annual Barkfest at Bonhams Charity Brunch for the AKC Humane Fund on Sunday, February 14th from 10am to 12pm will help us continue our good works. This year's event, a preview for the Bonhams Dog Sale on the following Tuesday, Feb., 16, 2010, promises to be a real thrill for literary fans as a dog collar belonging to Victorian literary great, Charles Dickens, will be among the items on display. The large thick leather collar with brass buckle and nameplate reads, "C. Dickens, Esqe., Gad's Hill Place, Higham." was likely worn by one of Dickens's larger dogs such as his Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, or St. Bernards.

In addition to the Dickens dog collar over two hundred works of canine art and memorabilia from the 19th and early 20th centuries will be on display. Well-known canine artists include Maud Earl, Arthur Wardle, William Trood, and many others. 

Both you and your canine companion are welcome at the "Barkfest" at Bonhams' fashionable new galleries located at 580 Madison Avenue, between 56th and 57th Streets. Admission to the Charity Brunch is a $50 donation to the AKC Humane Fund with reservation by phone, or $60 at the door.  To reserve your space, please call AKC's RSVP line at 212-696-8277. We hope to see you there!  For more information on the AKC Humane Fund visit www.akchumanefund.org.

Sincerely,

Ron Menaker
Chairman  CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 

-- Barkfest at Bonhams Benefits AKC Humane Fund -- 

Dear AKC Club Officer, Delegate, or Judge:

Our right to own and breed dogs is under attack. Throughout the country last year we experienced an unprecedented increase in legislation that infringes on the rights of responsible owners and breeders. Already, many similar bills have already been introduced for 2010. 

Some of the 2009 bills included:

• New York A.7218, which would have criminalized tail docking and make it a misdemeanor for anyone to exhibit a dog with a docked tail. The bill also allowed for any New York animal rights organization to directly sue violators of this law.
• Texas HB 4277 & Florida HB 451, as written, would have required that all dogs in the state be spayed or neutered, with very few exceptions.
• Montana HB 191 & Hawaii SB 79 would have banned the ownership of “pit bulls”, including American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
• 26 different states introduced legislation that sought to regulate dog breeding. Many of these bills followed a formula that included caps on animal ownership, allowed for unreasonable inspections and seizures, and arbitrary care and kennel engineering standards. 

Fortunately, few of these provisions became law, but the consistency and similarity of these measures seen in state after state, demonstrates the effect of a national agenda determined to take away our rights to own and breed dogs in a manner consistent with our expertise.

The need for a united, resolute dog fancy committed to protecting our dogs and our rights has never been greater. This election year, through contributions to the AKC Political Action Committee (AKC PAC), we have the opportunity to support lawmakers and candidates who will fight for our right to own, breed, and exhibit our beloved dogs. Please ask all club members to consider a donation to the AKC PAC. One hundred percent of these donations will go directly to support the campaigns of candidates who will help protect our rights. 

I’ve enclosed materials that provide more information about this program. Although the AKC PAC can only accept donations from individuals, clubs can help by conducting fundraisers and encourage their members to donate to the PAC.

Please join me in taking a stand and making the voice of the dog fancy heard in Congress and in our state legislatures. Please contribute to this important program and distribute the enclosed materials to your members, colleagues and club newsletters.

Together we can ensure that the right to own, breed and exhibit dogs is protected for generations to come.

 Sincerely,

Nina Schaefer

Chairman, AKC PAC Board

This memo is to address anticipated exhibitor questions and to clarify the Grand Champion judging procedure.

Who is Eligible for Grand Champion competition?

The following categories of dogs are entered in this competition:

1. Dogs that are Champions of Record competing in Best of Breed or Best of Variety class.
2. Dogs transferred to Best of Breed/Variety which according to their owners’ records have completed the requirements for a championship but whose championships are unconfirmed. (The showing of dogs whose championships are unconfirmed is limited to a period of 90 days from the date of show where a dog completed the requirements for a championship according to the owners’ records.)
3. Champions that win Non-Regular Classes and become eligible for Best of Breed competition. (Altered or spayed CH veteran class winners at independent specialties are eligible.)
4. Winners Dog and Winners Bitch are not eligible for Grand Champion competition.

At the judge’s discretion, Grand Championship points may be awarded to:

1. Best of Breed or Variety
2. Best of Opposite
3. Select Dog
4. Select Bitch

Grand Champion competition will not continue beyond Best of Breed competition and in breeds that are divided into varieties, Grand Champion Competition will not continue beyond Best of Variety competition.

What are the requirements to earn the Grand Champion Title?

1. 25 Grand Champion points.
2. A minimum of 9 points won at 3 shows with ratings of 3 or more points (Major wins) under three different judges, and one or more of the balance of points won under a 4^th judge.
3. At least one Champion of Record was defeated at three of these shows.

How are Grand Champion points computed?

1. Grand Champion points are only to be awarded to dogs the judge considers deserving.
2. Grand Champions points awarded to the Best of Breed/Variety shall count all dogs of both sexes competing in the regular classes and in Best of Breed/Variety competition.
3. Grand Champion points awarded to Best of Opposite Sex shall count all dogs of their sex competing in the regular classes and in Best of Breed/Variety competition.
4. Grand Champion points awarded to Select Dog/Bitch shall count all dogs of their sex defeated in the Best of Breed/Variety competition as well as the dogs of their sex in the regular classes. (i.e. one less than the total entry in that sex)
5. The entry of non-regular classes are not counted for computation of Grand Champion points to be awarded.

Judging Procedure

1.      Choose BOB, BOW and BOS

2.      If quality warrants, choose a Select Dog (SD) and Select Bitch (SB) from the remaining Champions in the BOB ring (Do not consider BOW, WD or WB)

3.      Annotate the judge’s book certification as to the eligibility and quality of the Grand Champion points being awarded or withheld.

4.      Award BOB, BOS, SD and SB ribbons if determined to be of eligible and deserving of the Grand Champion title.  See: http://www.akc.org/pdfs/judges_sheet_conformation.pdf for example of the revised judge’s book form.

Administration

1. On May 12, 2010 Grand Champion competition will be included in all shows offering BOB or BOV competition.
2. Premium lists – Other than prize listings, there is no requirement to address Grand Champion competition in the premium list since it is included in all shows that offer BOB or BOV.  However, there is no restriction should superintendents and secretaries want to bring attention to the new competition.
3. Judging Schedule – No additional information is required.
4. Ribbons – BOB and BOS do not require an additional ribbon.  Light blue & white ribbons for SD & SB.   Flat ribbons or rosettes are equally acceptable.  “Select” is acceptable wording however “Grand Champion Select” is acceptable and more descriptive. 
5. Ring Markers – Just as with BOB, BOW and BOS, there is no AKC requirement to have SD and SB placement markers.  These markers are provided as a service by the club or superintendent.

AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine  Excellence

         ACE AWARDS 2010

The AKC Humane Fund is accepting nominations for its 2010 Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). To qualify, the purebred dog must be AKC registered or an AKC recognized breed and have performed some exemplary act, whether large or seemingly small that has significantly benefited a community or individual. One award will be given in each of the following five categories: Companion, Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Service, and Therapy. When appropriate, dogs earning honorable mention will be cited.

Each of the five recipients will receive a cash award of $1,000, a plaque honoring their dog, and an engraved sterling silver medallion, which they will receive at a special presentation ceremony at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, California in December 2010. In addition, the names of the five recipients will be engraved on the ACE Awards plaque that is on permanent display in the AKC Headquarters in New York City. Dogs receiving honorable mention will be awarded an engraved bronze medallion. All entrants will receive an AKC Humane Fund ACE Certificate of Recognition in acknowledgement of their nomination.

Anyone can nominate a dog. The owner of the dog is permitted to submit the nomination for his/her own dog. All submissions for The AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence for the year 2010 must include the following:

·     A non-returnable, clear, color photograph of the dog – no scans please.

·     A 500-word-or-less description of how the dog has demonstrated excellence.

·     Dog’s call name, registered name if applicable, breed, age and sex.

·     Owner’s/Nominator's name(s), address and phone number. E-mail address
             if available.

Deadline for applications is June 1, 2010

The application form is on the next page.

                         AKC Humane Fund

                   Awards for Canine Excellence

                  NOMINATION ENTRY FORM

To nominate a dog for the 2010 Awards for Canine Excellence, please fill out the form below. Nominations will be accepted until June 1, 2010 and should be sent to:

Ronald N. Rella: ACE Awards 2010

AKC Humane Fund

260 Madison Avenue, 4^th Floor

New York, New York 10016

Please select one of the following categories by marking it with an “X”:

______Law Enforcement Dog

______Search and Rescue Dog

______Therapy Dog

______Service Dog

______Exemplary Companion Dog

PLEASE Do not submit multiple nominations for the same dog.

Please fill out the following information:

ü  Dog’s call name                                                                                                                            

ü  AKC-registered name (if applicable)                                                                                            

ü  Breed                                                                                                                                

ü  Dog’s age and sex                                                                                                             

ü  Owner’s name                                                                                                                  

ü   Street address                                                                 City                                            

ü  State                                   Zip Code                                 

ü  Phone number                                                                                                                              

ü  E-mail address if applicable                                                                                                          

ü  Nominator’s name (if different from owner)                                                                                

ü   Street address                                                      City                                                       

State                                    Zip Code                                

ü  Phone number                                                                                                                  

ü  E-mail address if applicable                                                                                                          

• You must submit a non-returnable clear, color photograph of the dog. No scanned images, please.

• Please attach a 500-word-or-less description of how the dog has demonstrated excellence to accompany your entry. Your description may be typed or handwritten.

Newsletter-Sandra McCurry

 southforkgolden@aol.com