oct2010

Hello Everyone. Our meeting this month will be Monday, October 11, 2010. We meet at IHOP to eat at 6:30 and the meeting starts around 7:30. We hope to see you all there.

Erin did a great job on planning RDOD. The rain interfered on Sunday but we still had a great time. We had the opportunity to hear the essay winners read their essays and to see a brief demonstration with the Frisbee dogs. Thank you Erin for all that you did and thank you to all that helped her.

Erin Mayfield opened the meeting at 7:05pm with the discussion on Responsible Dog Ownership Day events. Erin let everyone know that she sent an email with a link to the schedule for Saturday and Sunday. She also included a map on the park and instructions to where members are to enter.

There will be ticket drawings for fair ride tickets and she is looking for ideas to help draw more children to our area.

Merry Carol Houchard reported that there are a lot of entries to be read. The committee will meet at Chris’ house on 9/19 at 1:00pm to make the final selection of the winners.

Erin has had a banner made for the gate and this will be posted at the entrance for essay winners, members and show participants.

Set up will begin at 10:00am. We need as much help as possible to set up rings, tables and material.

Don Watson asked Jackie Dilworth about the Food Bank donation for this month. This donation will go to Rockdale and next months will go to Newton. Jackie also reported that she and Linda Jackson would have the Christmas Party details for October’s meeting.

Don spoke about the Newton County Commission holding meetings on the tether and fee changes for dogs. He will contact the AKC and the Coalition about this. The Commissioner is no longer posting meeting times and agendas. He requested that all members be available to attend meetings when possible.

Elizabeth Barrett is our guest speaker. She is with the Caring Canine Rehabilitation Center. She discussed different types of therapy used to help strengthen and rehab dogs after injury and surgery. Therapy is also helpful in dealing with chronic pain.

Don passed thank you notes from judges to the members to see. And discussed several issues that arose during the show. Don thanked Steve Donahue for helping with the parking. There was a Brittany found on 285 on Sunday that was turned over to the Brittany Rescue people and Don reported that the dog had probably already found a home with one of the rescue people. There was a problem with people coming into the show with pitbulls. Other than these small issues the show went well.

Don will be sending the premium to Onfrio tomorrow for the February show. He asked for volunteers to handle the Obedience/Rally trophy table – Steve & Nancy Donahue will do this. Also the announcer will be Louise Averett.

Mike Shelton reported that the Handling Classes were going well. Turn out has not been as good with 6 dogs show up last week.

Rhea Spence has been contacted by the Canine Health Foundation and they will send the newsletter to 10 members. Please let Rhea know if you would like to receive this.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Fall 2010



	Matching Your Puppies With the Best Prospective Homes By Arliss Paddock Part Two: Ensuring a Happy Future for Puppy and Owner It is our mandate as breeders to do all we can to help ensure that every pup who leaves us will have ahead of him a happy, healthy life where he is cherished, given ample attention, suitably matched with his owner’s personality and lifestyle, kept safe, and cared for well and responsibly. These are the conditions we must strive to ensure above all; only secondarily can we then focus on hoped-for future directions for the pup, such as success in conformation, performance, or companion events, accomplishments as a service or therapy dog, and so on. Read more.
	Whelping Accomplished. Now What? Stagedoor's Joan Savage walks us through those crucial first 8 weeks. I am honored to be asked to write an article for the AKC about breeding. I take breeding dogs seriously. Many have written about how they choose the sire and dams. I have had my best luck with line breeding, keeping in mind genotype, phenotype and, of course, the health clearances. That really narrows the playing field, and it’s why we find ourselves every year at the nationals looking for stud dogs! Once you have the breeding lined up, and the breeding goes well, the pregnancy goes well, and the whelping goes well, you now have the culmination of all of your hard work and best laid plans on the ground. Now the real work begins. Read more.
	The Science of Breeding by Royal Canin Breeder's Handbook: Supporting the Immune System in the Weanling Puppy Immunity is an intricate, complicated, and fascinating process. The immune system relies on several factors to optimize appropriate responses and productivity. In the weanling puppy, there are several challenges to the developing immune system, and nutrition can play a substantial role in the success of its development. Read more.
	Even AKC Has Gone "3D" Finding New Ways to Discover, Develop, and Drive Registrations The number of dogs the AKC registers annually has been declining for some time. The reasons for the decline vary from increased competition from smaller, less restrictive, and less expensive registries to the negative influence of animal-rights groups toward breeding purebred dogs, and the general downturn of the economy. During this downward trend, all eyes at the AKC have been focused on the question, How do we solve the problem of falling registrations? But before reflecting on AKC attempts at solving the problem, it is important to consider some of the reasons why registrations are so important. Read more.
	The Graduates AKC Veterinary Scholarship winners talk about their careers and their dogs. As the need for talented veterinarians continues to skyrocket, so does the price of their training. In the United States, one year at some veterinary schools can cost about $50,000. “One of the major issues facing our profession is that current salaries are not keeping pace with student debt load,” says Jim Jackson, DVM, a veterinarian at Spring Oaks Animal Care Center, Deland, Florida. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that the mean student debt for veterinary-school graduates is roughly $120,000. Read more.


	Ronald N. Rella, Director, Breeder Services AKCbreeder@akc.org or (212) 696-8303


	Meet the Breeds, hosted by The American Kennel Club and Cat Fanciers' Association, will return to the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, October 16 and 17. Last year's 36,000 attendees enjoyed 200 individually decorated official breed booths that allowed pet lovers to interact with dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, and learn about their history and unique attributes directly from the experts. In addition, there will again be numerous vendor booths and ongoing demonstrations. Don't miss the "World's Largest Showcase of Dogs and Cats," presented by Pet Partners. The AKC has announced its 2010 Breeder of the Year group recipients: Gregory Siner, Sporting Group (Pooles Ide Irish Water Spaniels); Debbie Butt, Hound Group (Sporting Field Whippets); Michelle Santana, Working Group (Foxfire Doberman Pinschers); Margery Good, Terrier Group (Goodspice Sealyham Terriers); Carol Harris, Toy Group (Bo-Bett Italian Greyhounds); Joanne Reed, Non-Sporting Group (Windrift Keeshonden); and Leslie Frank, Herding Group (Propwash Australian Shepherds). Congratulations to these well-deserving honorees! In this issue of AKC Breeder, our feature article is "Matching Your Puppies With the Best Prospective Homes." Part Two addresses ways of best ensuring a happy future for both puppies and new owners. From "Inside the AKC" we have information on AKC's new Registration Development department and how they are working to find new ways to discover, develop, and drive AKC registrations. Also from AKC, there is an article reprinted from the Gazette on past AKC Veterinary Scholarship winners. The AKC 2008 Breeder of the Year, Joan Savage, walks us through a litter's crucial first eight weeks in "Advice from the Breeder." And lastly, from Royal Canin we have "Supporting the Immune System in the Weanling Puppy." Your comments are always appreciated. Ronald N. Rella Director, Breeder Services


	AKC Breeder articles are selected for their general interest and entertainment values. Authors' views do not necessarily represent the policies of The American Kennel Club, nor does their publication constitute an endorsement by the AKC.

Every registration makes a difference . . . for all dogs!

I hope that 2010 has been a great year so far for your club and its members, and that the rest of the year continues similarly.

Without the continuing help of our clubs, the AKC cannot live up to its mission of advocating for the purebred dog as a family companion, advancing canine health and well-being, working to protect the rights of all dog owners and promoting responsible dog ownership. As we continue extensive outreach to the AKC community regarding our efforts to meet the challenge of decreasing registrations, we need your help in telling your club members why AKC registrations are so important.

To help us meet this challenge, we have developed several print-ready files that we ask you to include in your club's communications, like your newsletter or website. These include:

Full-page and half-page ads that briefly explain why it is important for breeders to register all the puppies they produce.
"Registering All Your Dogs Has Never Been More Important", an in-depth article that explains why registration is vital to everyone involved in the world of the AKC.
"All Dogs Deserve to be Registered", a flyer that explains the benefits of AKC's new Online Litter Record Service.

Please feel free to distribute this information to your club members.

Thank you for your dedication to your breed, your club, and to the sport of purebred dogs. Please know that with your support, and by working together, we will be able to take the necessary steps to ensure AKC's long and healthy future as the nation's preeminent purebred dog registry.

Sincerely,
David Roberts
VP, Registration and Customer Service

September 2010

From our Nation's Capitol
The U.S. Congress returns to work on September 13, 2010.. The AKC Government Relations Department and AKC’s federal advocacy team in Washington, D.C., continue to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2010 Legislative Tracking Page and click on “US Fed” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Also, be sure to check out the new, Summer 2010 edition of AKC’s congressional newsletter In Session for interviews with congressional dog owners, issue analyses, and other articles that demonstrate to Congress AKC’s commitment to the promotion of responsible dog ownership.

Here are a few of the bills we’re tracking in Congress.

News from the State Capitols
Ten state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in regular session, and New York is in special session. To date, AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) has tracked over 1,200 bills in 2010 at all levels of government. For the latest information on the state and federal bills being tracked by the Government Relations (GR) Department, visit our 2010 Legislation Tracking page. This page, updated daily, provides the latest bill text, status, and Legislative Alerts posted by the AKC.

For more information on any of the measures mentioned, contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.

Here are some highlights of the bills we are currently tracking.

Local Battles
The AKC Government Relations Department (AKC GR) continues to work with responsible dog owners to help with canine legislation issues in their local communities. If you hear of an issue in your town or county, contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org. We will be happy to provide you with the resources, tools, and support you need to help fight for responsible dog ownership in your community.

Here are some examples of the local issues currently being addressed by AKC GR, as well as some victories for dog owners within the past month.

Changes to AKC Position Statements
The American Kennel Club has recently made some changes to its official policy position statements in order to clarify our position in support of reasonable, effective, and fair canine legislation. This includes adding a sentence to the "Right to Keep and Enjoy Dogs" policy that clearly states, "The AKC opposes laws that limit the number of dogs a responsible owner may own."

In response to increasing attempts to limit the accepted veterinary procedure of debarking, the AKC has also released the following new position statement:

Debarking is a viable veterinary procedure that may allow a dog owner to keep a dog that barks excessively in its loving home rather than to be forced to surrender it to a shelter. Debarking should only be performed by a qualified, licensed veterinarian after other behavioral modification efforts to correct excessive barking have failed. As with other veterinary medical decisions, the decision to debark a dog is best left to individual owners and their veterinarians.

Click here to see the full list of AKC's position statements.

Visit the AKC Government Relations Department's online Toolbox to print individual position statements

Elections Essentials: Understanding Ballot Propositions
Responsible dog owners, exhibitors, and breeders regularly fight for their rights from city halls to the halls of Congress, but there is another battleground in 27 states that cannot be ignored – the ballot initiative process. The path these propositions take to get to the ballot varies by state, but the basics remain the same: Once the proposition is on the ballot, popular vote will decide whether it becomes law. It is imperative that residents of these states pay close attention to the propositions on the ballot this November to consider how they will affect responsible animal owners and breeders. Read more.

New in the GR Toolbox:
Why Mandatory Spay/Neuter Laws are Ineffective
The AKC Government Relations Department continues to add new resources to our online Toolbox to help you communicate with candidates, lawmakers, and colleagues about responsible dog ownership. This month, we have added a new article that discusses Why Mandatory Spay/Neuter Laws are Ineffective. This article provides a number of anecdotal examples and practical reasons for why these laws do not work, and discusses more positive alternatives for communities.

Be sure to visit the AKC Government Relations Toolbox often for the latest materials you can download and print for legislative battles, upcoming events, and club meetings to help educate others about the importance of promoting and protecting responsible dog ownership and breeding practices.

With Election Day just two months away, now is the time to educate yourself, your friends, and your colleagues, about the candidates' stances on canine policy issues.

This year, in addition to voting on candidates for office, residents of some states will also be voting directly on policy initiatives. This issue of Taking Command looks at the ballot initiative process in general, variations in the way states that use the ballot initiative process, and especially the upcoming ballot initiative in Missouri that seeks to limit the number of intact dogs a person may own.

Missouri's Proposition B ballot initiative poses a real threat to responsible breeders because it confuses the real issue of animal welfare – which focuses on the quality of care given to animals – with arbitrary limits on the number of dogs a person can own. Reasonable people know the issue isn't about numbers; it's how the dogs are cared for. Cruelty and negligence can occur regardless of the number of dogs a person has. If this measure succeeds in Missouri, it is likely that dog breeding in many other states would face similar threats.

We encourage everyone to learn their own state's policy on ballot initiatives and to take a close look at any measures that may be on your ballot this November or in future elections. Consider how these issues could affect the rights of those who wish to own and breed animals in a responsible manner..

Even if you aren't facing a ballot initiative, participating in the 2010 elections will be critically important to ensuring that your rights as responsible dog owners and breeders are protected. Take time to learn about the attitudes and viewpoints of candidates for office in your area. Review the August issue of Taking Command, which provides helpful suggestions for assessing candidate positions on canine legislation, and be sure to share your findings with all your fellow dog lovers in your region.

The American Kennel Club has also recently clarified its official positions in support of sound, reasonable, and fair canine policy. Newly updated canine legislation policy position statements, including a new policy position on debarking, are now available online.

While you are online, be sure to check out Why Mandatory Spay/Neuter Laws are Ineffective, the latest addition to the AKC Government Relations toolbox. This new article explores common problems with mandatory spay/neuter laws and provides helpful facts and talking points to use when fighting MSN laws in your state and community.

We hope these tools will prove helpful to you as you communicate with candidates, lawmakers, and members of your community about promoting responsible dog ownership. As you reach out in your community, please don't hesitate to contact us with suggestions for specific policy issues you would like us to address in future articles.

We look forward to continuing to help you promote and protect responsible dog ownership during this election season and into the coming year.

All the best,
Sheila Goffe
Director of Government Relations

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

-- Board Planning Session Nurtures Ideas
And Reviews Initiatives to Grow AKC's Future --

New York, NY - In August the Board added a special "planning session" to the regular Board meeting to discuss a variety of topics including registrations, events, and brand imaging. On Sunday, Sept.12, AKC Vice Chairman Tom Davies, President and CEO Dennis Sprung, COO John Lyons, and I met with the Delegates' Coordinating Committee to further discuss the "state of the sport" and how the Board, management, staff and Delegates can work together to overcome our many challenges in today's economic atmosphere.

With more than 5,000 AKC-affiliated clubs, we know the health of our clubs is paramount to growing the sport. We discussed reasons why some clubs are thriving while others are struggling. We explored ways to help clubs create more well-attended events that would drive up exhibitor entries, increase spectator gate and bring the are continuing to explore many possibilities for dog show enhancements such as: a Reserve Best-in Show, expanding the number of group placements, adding a 4-6 month-old puppy class, and a separate Amateur-Owner Handler competition.

We have begun discussions with the Coordinating Committee and the respective Delegate Committees but no decisions have been made. We also discussed registrations at length, including the current marketplace and the poor economy.

We talked about how a shift in society's attitude regarding animal rights groups and the shelter adoption movement has affected the overall number of AKC registrations. Our data also shows us that our "core" breeders have been breeding less over the last decade.

The loss in registered litters continues to have the single largest impact on the loss in registered dogs. We continue to study the reasons for the declining "blue slip" return rate in order to find solutions. During our planning session we also reviewed several staff-developed initiatives to promote registrations including a new registration application and upcoming advertising slicks for clubs.

Further enhancement of the AKC brand to the dog-loving public was another topic of discussion. For example, we have just launched the new Breeder of Merit program. Not only is this a way for AKC to recognize our responsible breeders but it gives breeders a way of distinguishing themselves above the pack and communicating their dedication to the puppy-buying public.

We must continue to highlight all the helpful ways that AKC - and its clubs - bring the responsible dog ownership message to life. For example there are more than 550 clubs and groups holding AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days this month. We know that our tireless volunteer work in purebred rescue, our club-sponsored training classes and the AKC Canine Good Citizen® program, among many other initiatives, are what set us apart.

As dedicated breeders, club members, and passionate dog owners, we also know the value of educating the new puppy buyer and the lasting impact it has on the dogs, their owners and the community. What better way to ensure AKC's future than to continue the public conversation about the important role AKC registration plays in the good deeds, educational programs, and volunteer outreach we do for all dogs.

Sincerely,

FIVE CANINE HEROES HONORED WITH AKC® HUMANE FUND AWARDS FOR CANINE EXCELLENCE (ACE)

-- Recipients Include a Rescue Dog Turned Search and Rescue Hero, a Westminster Best in Show Winner and a Surfing Dog! --

New York, NY - The AKC® Humane Fund announced the winners of the 11th annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE), which commemorates five loyal, hard-working dogs that have made significant contributions to their communities in each of the following five categories: Exemplary Companion Dog, Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, Therapy and Service. A press conference celebrating their accomplishments was held at TD Bank in midtown Manhattan today.

"The AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence celebrate what dogs contribute to our lives and these five exceptional recipients exemplify the heroic acts canines can accomplish," said Lisa Peterson AKC Spokesperson. "Their inspiring stories serve as an example of the canine-human bond and the impact a single dog can make in a community."

All the ACE recipients will receive $1,000 and an engraved Sterling silver medallion at the nationally televised AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, California on December 5, 2010. In addition they will be honored individually at local events. The New York and New Jersey ACE winners will have their local ceremony and be available for a public meet and greet during Meet the Breeds*on October 16-17, 2010 at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC.

This year's ACE winners include:

Search and Rescue Dog: "Cassius" owned by Peter Taft of Brooklyn, NY
Once a shelter dog and now trained for Search and Rescue work, Cassius and owner Peter have been deployed by or worked closely with many organizations, including the Bedford Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Louisiana State EMS Boat Team Search and Rescue, and the United States Army Airborne. The two also served during Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina and in Haiti during the aftermath of the recent earthquake. While Peter performed paramedic work in Haiti, Cassius, also a certified Therapy dog, provided comfort to both victims and volunteers of the tragedy. The team received Congressional Commendations for their exceptional work.

Therapy Dog: "Rufus" owned by Thomas and Barbara Bishop of Holmdel, NJ
Rufus performs equally as well in show ring as he does in the community - he's the top-winning Bull Terrier of all time as well as an exceptional Therapy dog. Since retiring from the show ring, Rufus has spent countless hours spreading happiness and cheer at schools, senior citizen programs and nursing-rehabilitation centers. He also received a special invitation to visit injured soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Service Dog: "Wyatt" owned by Janice Wolfe of Wyckoff, NJ
While most Service Dogs typically work with just one person, Wyatt, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, has worked with hundreds. His breeder/owner Janice Wolfe is the founder and director of Merlin's Kids, an organization that places dogs with autistic and developmentally disabled children. Wyatt's affinity for children and his remarkable patience allows Janice to determine if a Service dog is right for a particular child.

Law Enforcement Dog: "Nike" owned by Senior Corporal Mark Tobin, New Castle County Police of New Castle, DE
Nike, an 11-year old German Shepherd Dog, spent ten years serving the 500,000 citizens of New Castle County, Delaware, with his partner, Senior Corporal Mark Tobin. This decade of service resulted in 161 apprehensions and the seizure of 1.6 million dollars worth of drugs. Nike also used his tracking skills to find an Alzheimer's patient who had wandered away from home and a six-year old autistic boy lost in 97 degree heat, among many others.

Exemplary Companion Dog: "Ricochet" owned by Judy Fridono of Escondido, CA
When Golden Retriever Ricochet was dropped from Service Dog training due to her distractible nature, owner Judy Fridono decided to focus their efforts on something Ricochet could do - surf! This wave-loving Golden now surfs for charitable causes, and has raised more than $10,000 for a quadriplegic boy's rehab as well as funds to purchase toys for 630 children at hospitals and women's shelters during a Christmas toy drive.

To view photos and stories about the 2010 AKC Humane Fund ACE recipients and honorable mentions visit: http://www.akc.org/news/ace/2010/honorees.cfm

The AKC Humane Fundsm, founded by the American Kennel Club® in 2008, was created to unite a broad spectrum of animal lovers in promoting the joy and value of responsible pet ownership through education, outreach and grant-making. Through its programs, the AKC Humane Fund's goals are to: support Parent Club Rescue activities; assist shelters for domestic abuse victims that permit pets; provide resources for responsible dog ownership education; contribute to non-profit organizations that support its mission. Contributions to the AKC Humane Fund are fully tax deductible as allowed by law under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.

About Meet the Breeds -- With 160 dog breeds and 41 cat breeds, plus demonstrations, shopping and children's activities, no pet lover will want to miss Meet the Breeds hosted by the American Kennel Club and Cat Fancier's Association. Each breed will be presented in its own designated space, decorated to reflect its heritage, characteristics and unique attributes as a pet, while allowing attendees to literally "Meet the Breeds" by petting dogs, cats, puppies and kittens and learning about them directly from the experts. The event is proudly presented by PetPartners, Inc. a leading pet healthcare provider, and will feature more than 120,000 square feet of dog and cat festivities. Sponsors include Invisible Fence® Brand; Pet Brands, Inc.; P&G Pet Care, Iams; Motel 6; ADT Security Services, Inc.; LubriSyn CA; AOL Paw Nation; Hill's Science Diet Small & Toy Breed dog food; TD Bank, N.A.; American Pet Products Association; Dog.com; GoPetFriendly.com; Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Litte!
r; Paramount Chemical Specialties, Inc.; Royal Canin; Petmate; JAKKS Pacific, Inc.; Sturdi Products and World's Best Cat Litter. For more information visit www.meetthebreeds.com.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) proudly celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2009. Since 1884 the not-for-profit organization has maintained the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, and today its rules govern more than 20,000 canine competitions each year. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

To become a fan of the AKC on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/americankennelclub. To follow the AKC on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/akcdoglovers.

Below is the final update for Legislation that was introduced in the above Session. April was the end of the two year Session for 2009-2010. Legislation that did not pass is now dead and would have to be reintroduced in January, 2011.

HB 219: A bill to add a bittering agent to anti-freeze passed out of the Judiciary Committee. This bill has passed the House and has been read in the Senate and referred to Committee on February 3, 2010. Bill is dead.

HB 429 a bill that provides protection for family pets relating to protective orders and consent agreements in family violence situations. March 4-House committee favorable report. In House Rules Committee. Bill is dead.

HB 606: A bill that would ban the grandfathered in carbon monoxide chambers. Bill is dead.

HB 788: Another bill that would ban the grandfathered in carbon monoxide chambers that was introduced by Rep. Tom Knox, who is the chief sponsor of HB 606. This bill does not list HSUS or AHA to approve certification programs. In Senate Rules. Passed the General Assembly and the Governor signed into law on May 20.

HB 1153 Introduced February 9 would change certain provisions of the Georgia Code dealing with Animal Cruelty. The GCC had concerns with this Bill. Bill passed out of committee, but did not pass Rules Committee.

Bill is dead and the Sponsor is not running for re-election. The GCC does expect this bill to come back up.

HB 842 Bill that would amend the code relating to agriculture in order to allow Home gardens, coops and pens on private residential property. The food crops or animals or products thereof can only be used for human consumption by the occupants of the property. Would allow Chickens, rabbits, and goats. Passed the House Ag. Committee and is in Rules Committee. Bill is dead.

HB 1106 Introduced February 5 and would require all shelters to scan for a microchip before euthanizing any dog, cat or other large animal traditionally kept as household pet. This bill pertains to scanning for a microchip only. Passed the House, passed Senate Ag. Committee. Passed Senate and is headed to the Governor. The GCC worked on this bill and was instrumental in AKC contributing 25 scanners for Georgia counties that do not have a scanner. Governor signed into law on June 2.

HB 574 dealt with adding animals under a protective order in domestic violence cases. It would not have given animals equal rights to humans. Bill is dead.

HB 1280 is a bill intended to strengthen the Georgia Code dealing with Dangerous and Vicious Dogs. This bill is very flawed, but the GCC expects it to appear again in 2011. Bill is dead. But as stated we expect a version to be introduced in January, 2011.

The GCC expects in January, 2011 an attempt in to introduce a bill that would affect breeders in the state.

The GCC does expect a number of the bills above to appear in one form or another in the 2011 General Assembly Session. The GCC will closely monitor any legislation that is introduced that affects Dog Owners, Breeders, Clubs and those involved in Dog Events.

The GCC has worked with a number of our members around the State on local legislation in a number of counties and cities. The GCC is currently working on several issues facing our members in the member’s county or city.

Federal Bill: S. 3424/H.R. 5434, the federal Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act. This bill has not moved since it was introduced in May, 2010. This bill is not expected to move before the end of the year. It would have to be reintroduced in 2011. As currently written, the GCC cannot support this bill.

THE GCC BOARD HOPES ALL MEMBERS AND MEMBER CLUBS’ DELEGATES WILL ATTEND THIS MEETING.

The nominating committee of the GCC off the following slate for the October 2010 election:

President                    Gail LaBerge
Vice President            John Parker
Secretary                    Lynette White
Treasurer                    CP Seals

Board beginning 2 year term

Mike Houchard
Maurice Woulfe
Sue Benkiser

Board begining 1 year term

Stephen Bachelor
Sandy Carman
Scears Hardie

Purina Parent Club Partnership Participants Fund $500,000 in Canine Health Research [Tuesday, September 21, 2010]

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is pleased to announce that the Purina Parent Club Partnership (PPCP) has not only raised significant funds to support health research (more than $3 million since its inception in 2002), but that those funds have also been released to sponsor specific research studies - $500,000 in 2010 alone.

Purina Pro Club members who elect to participate in the PPCP Program and designate a particular club accrue donations for their breed when they submit weight circles from qualifying Purina brand dog foods. Points are accumulated all year and a check representing 10 percent of the value of the submitted weight circles is evenly split between the breed club's Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the parent club, where funds may be used at the club's discretion for canine health research, education or rescue.

Parent Clubs know their breeds best. Therefore, the donations to the CHF Donor Advised Funds are used to support research, based on the recommendation of the Parent Club. Once those recommendations are received from the Parent Club, DAF monies are released and are used to fund canine health research projects approved by CHF.

In 2009, more than 165 national parent breed clubs participated in the PPCP Program, raising nearly $600,000. Of these PPCP-participating clubs, more than 50% have used their PPCP monies to support canine health research in 2010. These clubs have taken the funds from their breed Donor Advised Fund at the AKC Canine Health Foundation and used it to sponsor research approved and funded by the CHF.

For information about participating in the Purina Parent Club Partnership (PPCP) Program and helping to raise funds for your national parent club and the AKC Canine Health Foundation, visit Purina Pro Club or call toll-free (877) PRO-CLUB or (877) 776-2582.

The Opportunity

Parent clubs receive funding through the PPCP Program based on the number of members participating and their submissions of weight circles. Fundraising can be difficult for parent clubs, yet it is needed to promote club activities. Many clubs choose to help fund AKC Canine Health Foundation grants in which researchers aim to better understand the genetics behind health conditions that affect their breeds as well as develop better treatments and more accurate ways of diagnosing disease. Others use the funding to support educational or rescue programs. Regardless how the funding is used it provides another source of revenue to advance the betterment of dogs everywhere.

Pro Club members are encouraged to support participation within your respective clubs - let's continue to stamp out canine disease for all our dogs!

Podcast About Genetic Disease with Dr. Matthew Ellinwood Released [Thursday, September 23, 2010]

The AKC Canine Health Foundation is pleased to release the next podcast in the Genome Barks series. This week, we welcome Dr. Matthew Ellinwood, Assistant Professor of Companion Animal Genomics at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Genetic diseases can have devastating impact on an animal's health and well being. In the case of a genetic disease within a breed or within the breeding program of a dog breeder genetic diseases can be crippling to genetic progress. In this podcast, Dr. Ellinwood defines the term genetic disease, discusses the avenues taken to eliminate genetic disease, and provides basic recommendations to breeders who are faced with genetic diseases in their breeds.

Dr. Matthew Ellinwood received both his DVM and PhD from Colorado State University. He has focused his research on genetic diseases of both dogs and cats. Dr. Ellinwood is a member of the Large Munsterlader Club of North America and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association. He has 28 years experience breeding, training, hunting over, and testing field trial Labradors and Large Munsterlanders.

The Genome Barks podcast series features lectures from the highly successful AKC and CHF Breeders Symposia and provides responsible breeders and pet owners an inside look at the work being done by the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

New podcasts are released every two weeks and can be accessed from the AKC Canine Health Foundation website at www.CanineHealthFoundation.org - click on "Podcasts." They are also available on Apple's iTunes® or directly at www.genomebarks.com.

Clubs are encouraged to add the Genome Barks Podcast link to their home pages. Contact the AKC Canine Health Foundation to obtain graphics and links.

New York, NY -- The American Kennel Club® (AKC) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards: Walter F. Goodman (Conformation), James J. Ham (Companion Events) and Jo Ann Frier-Murza (Performance). The three recipients will receive engraved silver Revere bowls on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at the AKC Delegates luncheon held in conjunction with the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, California. A sterling silver Tiffany and Co. bowl, engraved with the names of all recipients past and present, is on permanent display at AKC headquarters in New York City.

The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards were created to honor those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients were selected from votes cast by AKC member clubs for nominees in the categories of Conformation, Companion Events and Performance.

A breeder-owner-handler of Skye Terriers, Walter Goodman has finished 35 champions, garnering 99 Best in Show awards and more than 300 Terrier Group firsts, including the 1971 Westminster group winner. His Ch. Glamoor Good News won Best in Show at the Garden in 1969. Mr. Goodman is a two-time winner of the Kennel Review Male Owner-Handler of the Year and the Quaker Oats owner-handler award.

A judge since 1977, Mr. Goodman is approved for all terriers, the Terrier Group, Toy Manchester Terriers, Best in Show, and Junior Showmanship. He has been a member of the Skye Terrier Club of America for more than 50 years and is a past president and vice president, as well as a member of the Palm Beach Dog Fancier’s Association. Walter is president and chief steward for the Montgomery County Kennel Club, host of the world’s largest annual terrier show. He holds membership in the Westbury Kennel Association, the Westminster Kennel Club, and The Kennel Club (England).

Since 1988, Walter has served on the AKC Board of Directors, chairing several committees. He is a director of the AKC Museum of the Dog and is on the Board of Overseers of the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. Professionally, Walter was a trust officer and assistant vice president at Chase Manhattan Bank, an associate producer for NBC Television and Mike Ellis Productions, and the retired president and senior partner of the Goodman-Flanders company. He graduated from Yale University.

James Ham grew up surrounded by dogs, but didn’t attend his first dog show until well into adulthood. In 1970, he purchased a $100 pet Dalmatian. While attending a show, Jim saw the Utility Class for the first time. He thought that a clean run in Utility was a beautiful thing. He still does. That $100 Dal achieved American/Canadian Championship titles as well as American/Canadian UDT (Utility Dog/Tracking Dog) titles, the first to do so.

Jim taught basic obedience and assisted more experienced instructors with advanced classes. He has trained and exhibited several other Dalmatians, two Smooth Fox Terriers, and now has Border Terriers. He also exhibits in breed, agility and rally.

He began judging twenty-six years ago, and has judged in every state, save one. In 1999, he judged at sixty-nine trials, and judged 1,980 dogs. During the early years in the sport, Jim admired two judges in particular, Hugh McLean and Chuck Bush, who were supportive and encouraging. Jim has tried to emulate these two wonderful gentlemen. He is also approved to judge the Terrier and Non-Sporting Groups, as well as some Hounds, Toys and Herding breeds, Junior Showmanship and Best in Show.

For many years, Jim has been the obedience, rally, and agility chairman for the Oakland County Kennel Club. Along with many years of obedience, tracking and agility experience, Jim has also been active in the breed ring, breeding and exhibiting several top terriers, both Smooth Fox and Borders.

Jo Ann Frier-Murza has promoted, chaired, judged and hosted earthdog events and den trials (a precursor to AKC Earthdog) for over 35 years. She worked with the AKC advisory panel developing the earthdog program in 1993, and later, on its review panel. As a dedicated teacher, Jo Ann has developed a process to instill confidence in newcomers to the sport. Her facility, Village Green Farm Earthdog Center, introduces numerous new dogs and assists advanced level dogs each year through classes and fun days. She has also written Earthdog Ins & Outs, which describes the early history of earthdogs, breed characteristics, training techniques and hosting events.

Jo Ann has pursued earthdog titles with her own dogs, earning multiple Master Earthdog titles as well as field championships on four Dachshunds. She has also bred Border Terriers and shown them to conformation championships, and has achieved obedience titles on Bedlington, Bull and Border Terriers.

Jo Ann was the founder of the New Jersey Beanfield Earthdogs Club and has been an officer or board member of the American Working Terrier Association, the Border Terrier Club of America, the Garden State All Terrier Club, the Princeton Dog Training Club and the Allgemeiner Schutzhund Klub, in addition to membership in the Dachshund Club of America. She has also been an active member of other all-breed and obedience clubs during her 38 years with purebred dogs.

Welcome Michael Houchard


	Booking your Pet-friendly Vacation Taking a family vacation can be a lot of fun, and including your four-legged family members can make the experience extra-special! Bringing your pet with you on your trip just takes a little extra planning. The following tips will help make your journey more enjoyable for you and your furry ones. Don’t forget that, as AKC’s official lodging partner, Motel 6 offers AKC travelers a 10% discount at all Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
	Ten Tips to Travel Like a Pro with Your Pet Amy and Rod Burkert of GoPetFriendly.com have taken to the road! The couple spends much of their time traveling the US and Canada with their dogs, Ty and Buster, doing research for their website and writing a blog about their adventures. In the process, they’ve learned a few “tricks” to pet travel that will make your next trip “pawsome”! Read more.
	Preparing your Dog for Air Travel Road trips with dogs can be a wonderful adventure, but sometimes driving cross-country simply isn’t practical or possible. Air travel can be a safe and comfortable option, with just a small amount of preparation. Read more.
	The Boarding Option Taking your pet with you isn't always the best solution, as there are hotel restrictions, travel-induced pet illness, and the potential for runaway pets to consider. To provide a happy, safe experience for your pet during time away from home, consider boarding him. Read our advice about choosing a kennel and preparing your dog for his stay.
	Travel Checklist Preparation is the key to traveling successfully with your pet. Has your dog had a recent check-up? Does he have a proper crate for the car or hotel room? How about proper identification in case you get separated? Here's a list of things to consider.

What to Pack
Don't forget these essentials as you plan your vacation!

• Collapsible food and water bowls

• Portable crate

• Blankets and towels

• Brushes and combs

• Housebreaking pads

• Odor-removing spray

• Healthy treats

• Toys, balls, etc.

• Current vaccination records and ID tags

• Stick-on ID labels for crate and supplies

• Contact numbers for local veterinarians and 24-hour emergency vet centers

• Collar and leash

Breed Spotlight: The Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer (Terrier Group)
• Original Purpose: Vermin hunter
• AKC Recognition: 1926
• Temperament: Alert, friendly, spirited and intelligent
• Did You Know: The Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds.
• Learn more: Watch a video or read about the history of the Miniature Schnauzer.

Get your Miniature Schnauzer AKC Rewards Visa Card.

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) announced today the launch of the Breeder of Merit program, a new initiative designed to recognize AKC’s core breeders.

“The Breeder of Merit program allows the American Kennel Club to celebrate our dedicated, passionate breeders who truly are the backbone of the sport and the foundation of our organization,” said AKC’s Chief Operating Officer John Lyons. “Our Breeders of Merit are committed to both improving their breed through health testing and selective breeding programs, and proving their breed through achievements in the show ring. They are special and will be emulated by new breeders entering the sport. Being a successful breeder in the Fancy does not come easy. Years of hard work, vision, and a willingness to do the right thing are required to be successful. Our Breeders of Merit have these qualities and deserve to be recognized.”

• Certify that applicable health screens are performed on the sire and dam as recommended by the Parent Club.

• Earn Conformation, Companion and/or Performance titles on at least 4 dogs they have bred/co-bred.

• Demonstrate their commitment to ensuring 100% of the puppies they produce are AKC registered.

• Complimentary access to $20.00 value per month for free online reports in the AKC online store.

• Online Record support to ensure that their records are accurate, complete and easily accessible.

• Free Online Breeder Classified listings along with a special Breeder of Merit designation.

• Acknowledgement on a special page of the AKC website and in the AKC Gazette.

• Free or discounted fees on all secondary transactions such as duplicate registration applications, revoke limited status applications, etc.

• Breeder of Merit designation and gold border on registration applications and certificates for dogs bred by the Breeder of Merit.

There are many easy registration options available to the Breeder of Merit, including Full Litter, Full Litter Offspring, Full Litter PLUS and Full Litter Offspring PLUS. Learn more at http://www.akc.org/sixeasyways/. To learn more or apply for the Breeder of Merit program, visit http://www.akc.org/breederofmerit or contact Tina Yuhl at 919-816-3932 or txy@akc.org.

Due to the fact that the newsletter is so long already I am not putting this in but you may copy and paste the link below in your browser. It is 6 pages long.

The revised information on the Breeder of Merit program is provided at the above link. The changes are: