Holiday Awards. Banquet

Transcription

1 Holiday Awards Banquet 2018

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3 AKC TITLES & CERTIFICATES There are many reasons to put in the time and resources necessary to earn recognition for your dog s abilities. The American Kennel Club offers opportunities in numerous areas to earn a title for your Dalmatian. COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Many of our Dalmatians participate in community events as ambassadors of the breed. Others have attained Therapy Dog status and bring comfort and smiles to those in hospice, nursing homes, hospitals, veteran facilities, schools, and more. This is our way of honoring those very special Dals and their handlers. MEMBER AWARDS Without our members, WRDC would cease to exist. Our members work hard to organize and work our shows and events, bring their dogs to Meet the Breed events, and much more. We value each of our members and want to acknowledge those who have hit some very important membership milestones. UNSUNG HERO AWARD While not an annual award, we would like to recognize those members that consistently give back to the club, volunteer their services without being asked, and form the backbone of the WRDC. The Unsung Hero Award is a special recognition of these members.

4 CONFORMATION CHAMPION In Conformation, dogs are not being compared to each other; they're being measured by how closely they conform to the standard of their breed. The closer to the breed standard, the better the dog's ability will be to produce puppies that meet the standard. Ch Engine Co's Flames Over IvaDal, FDC, CGCA, CGCU, TKI CH. COAL Coal earned his AKC championship and Puppy of Achievement certificate at 10 months old with 4 majors in limited showing. Six months later, he started his performance career. Within 2 months, he earned 5 more titles: Canine Good Citizen, Canine Community, Trick Dog Novice & Intermediate, and Farm Dog Certified. He was also awarded an Achiever Dog certificate. This young man is a complete package of conformation, intelligence and fun. Ch Zdar s Gallantry Under Fire CH. GEORGE George, an LUA, finished his championship from the Bred By Class and is Cindy Riggans' second bred by champion. He obtained both majors by winning breed over champions. George is out of Piper and George and is a mirror image of his daddy. A good natured boy who loves showing and people, George will be bred to Shelby. Watch for litter announcement in the spring. CH Zdar N Siobahn Whatever It Takes CH. KIT KAT Kit Kat, a stunning girl, made her show debut on Memorial Day weekend. By 7 months, she had 12 points with both majors and was awarded a Puppy of Achievement certificate. At 8 months, she won a Best in Sweepstakes at the Pittsburgh Specialty. At 10 months, she went Best of Breed over champions and finished the next day by winning Best of Opposite over champions.

5 RALLY ADVANCED EXCELLENT To earn a RAE title, the dog must have earned qualifying scores in both Advanced and Excellent classes at 10 separate member rally trials. UKC CH AKC GCH CH Blackthorn Patch Rendezvous With Destiny CD, RAE, TD, CA, ACT I, CGC, FDC TKN LIZZIE, RAE During 2018, Lizzie earned 5 titles, one of which was her RAE. She completed all 10 double qualifying scores for her RAE, only missing one qualifying score (due to a handling error). She was invited to the 2018 AKC Rally Nationals. She has her CD and 4 Rally titles. RALLY NOVICE The letters RN may be added after a dog s name when it has been certified by 2 different judges to have received qualifying scores in Novice classes at 3 licensed or member rally trials. Vondals Oscar The Gotsch RI, BCAT, CGCU, TKN OSCAR, RN Oscar joined the Gotsch family in June Don met him and fell in love with the little brown boy. He has a great temperament and loves to work. Oscar finished his Star puppy at 6 months and has proven to be a star in whatever he tries. By 18 months, he had earned his CGC, CGCU, Trick Dog Novice, Rally Novice, and Fast CAT, which gave him an Achiever Dog certificate. Oscar participates in Meet the Breed and other community events. He will continue to pursue titles in Rally, Fast CAT and Obedience.

6 AGILITY COURSE TEST The AKC Agility Course Test, or ACT, is an entry level agility event designed to introduce beginning dogs and their handlers to the sport of agility. Any dog who has not earned a previous agility title is eligible. Dogs must be 15 months old and do not need to be AKC registered at the time of entry. UKC CH AKC GCH CH Blackthorn Patch Rendezvous With Destiny CD, RAE, TD, CA, ACT I, CGC, FDC TKN LIZZIE, ACT1 Lizzie is an LUA, and at 14 months finished her championship with 5 majors. She earned her Grand Championship and has 69 (out of 100) towards her Bronze. In 2018 she ranked No. 17 in the Owner Handler groups and was an Owner Handler Best in Show. In one weekend, she earned her UKC championship and was UKC Best in Show. Lizzie is in agility training and as a first step toward entering a trial, earned her ACT I title. NOVICE FAST FAST has 15 obstacles with points assigned to each. The class requires a handler and dog to have some distance work. The idea of FAST is for each individual to design their own course and take the SEND bonus in their flow. The SEND bonus is a sequence of 2 or more designated obstacles that the handler directs their dog to take from a predetermined distance. The skill required to obtain the SEND bonus increases at each level. The points required to obtain a qualifying score also increases with each level. Three qualifying scores are required for a title. Ch Zdar s Let's Give Them Something to Talk About CD, BN, CAA, RA, MXJ, AX, OF, CGCA, CGCU, FDC, TKP, RD, VA, VAX BLUE, NF Blue has been competing in agility for 4 years. Sending a dog from a distance is an important skill to develop in this sport. In addition to competing in Master Jumpers and Master Standard, Blue is now competing in the fast classes. In 2018, she earned her Novice Fast title and has recently earned her Open Fast title.

7 FAST CAT AKC FAST CAT event is to provide all dogs and their owners an enjoyable, healthy activity in which they can participate. The dog's time to complete the 100 yard dash is converted into MPH. Dogs earn points based on their handicapped speed. Titles are awarded when a dog has accumulated a given number of points. Bay Colony s So Here I Am RN, BCAT, CGC, TKN GEEZA, BCAT Geeza was the pick puppy from the Rio/Parcel litter and has been a member of the Gotsch family since her birth. Geeza showed in conformation and earned 7 points with a major. Unfortunately, she wasn't fond of showing so she took up performance and earned a Rally Novice and a CGC. During 2018, she earned 2 titles, one of which was Fast CAT. Vondals Oscar The Gotsch RI, BCAT, CGCU, TKN OSCAR, BCAT Oscar fell in love with Fast CAT (look at those ears!). His average speed is 26 MPH! Oscar is currently ranked #27 in Dalmatians for He will continue to compete in Fast CAT in pursuit of his next title. Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen. Orhan Pamuk

8 LURE COURSING The Coursing Ability Test (CAT) is an introductory event fashioned after the sport of lure coursing. It tests a dog s basic coursing instinct or hunting-by-sight ability. The dog chases an artificial lure, and the test is a non-competitive pass/fail event where dogs run one at a time. Most dogs will happily go after the lure! The CAT provides a lively and healthy activity attractive to many dog owners.. Ch Zdar s Let's Give Them Something to Talk About CD, BN, CAA, RA, MXJ, AX, OF, CGCA, CGCU, FDC, TKP, RD, VA, VAX BLUE, CA Blue earned 9 titles this year. She continues to amaze as she demonstrates the Dalmatian s versatility. Blue has 27 titles in confirmation, agility, obedience, rally, lure coursing, road dog, trick dog, citizenship, and farm dog. She has earned an Achiever Dog certificate, the DCA Versatility and Versatility Excellent certificates. FARM DOG CERTIFIED AKC s newest event doesn t require any herding or working knowledge, but instead tests a dog s aptitude to be a working farm dog. In the test, dogs are presented with livestock and other sights, sounds, and scents common on a farm. The dog has to be confident and trust the handler, following instructions at all times. Ch Dashing s Blazing Fire CGC, FDC, TKN BLAZE, FDC After many years of being the male escort, Blaze decided he is more than a pretty face. He earned his Farm Dog Certificate and Trick Novice Titles which gave him an Achiever Dog certificate. During training, Blaze was not impressed with the dirt, the noise and smell of farm life but made a valiant effort to achieve his goal. Blaze has his championship and a CGC. Determining that he prefers lounging, he has returned to his male escort duties and accompanies Blue on all her adventures.

9 Ch Zdar s Let's Give Them Something to Talk About CD, BN, CAA, RA, MXJ, AX, OF, CGCA, CGCU, FDC, TKP, RD, VA, VAX BLUE, FDC Not to be outdone by Blaze, Blue earned her FDC. Unlike her brother, she loved the farm and was particularly enamored with the chickens. Ch Engine Co's Flames Over IvaDal, FDC, CGCA, CGCU, TKI COAL, FDC Coal passed his 2 qualifying tests for his Farm Dog title. Ann and Coal are having fun together. UKC CH AKC GCH CH Blackthorn Patch Rendezvous With Destiny CD, RAE, TD, CA, ACT I, CGC, FDC TKN LIZZIE, FDC Lizzie was required to earn her Farm Dog title after all, she lives on a farm! Needless to say, her history with chickens gave her mom cause for concern. Fortunately, sheep were being used that day so everyone survived. Zdar N Guardian Vondals Hey Mickey FDC MICKEY, FDC Mickey, the sweetheart of the Zdar household, earned his Farm Dog title at Canfield. Currently, he has 9 points with two majors towards his championship. He has run Fast CAT and earned an Achiever Dog certificate. Mickey has a wonderful temperament, which he obtained from the Zdar and Guardian lines. In 2019, he will be back in the show ring and will finish his Fast CAT title and will try lure coursing as well. Mickey would like to thank Cindy Chaytor for encouraging his mom to try different performance venues.

10 CANINE GOOD CITIZEN Canine Good Citizen is a certificate or a title. The test is designed to determine if a dog is well behaved in public. There is no age limit. The purpose is to determine if a dog has learned all skills on the test such as walking on a loose lead, meeting friendly strangers, sit or down on command, coming when called, supervised separation and reacting to distractions. There are 3 titles offered in the CGC program (CGC, CGCA, CGCU), which tests the dog in different locations (skills required for specific situations). Ch Zdar s Let's Give Them Something to Talk About CD, BN, CAA, RA, MXJ, AX, OF, CGCA, CGCU, FDC, TKP, RD, VA, VAX BLUE, CGCA, CGCU As she was accompanying Lily to her CGCA test, Blue decided to join her and earned her CGCA and CGCU that day. Ch Engine Co's Flames Over IvaDal, FDC, CGCA, CGCU, TKI COAL, CGC, CGCA Coal continues to be on a roll. He earned his CGC and CGCA this year. Guardian & Saphfire's Amazing Grace CGC, TKI GRACE ANN, CGC And Mom said it couldn't be done! Grace, who prefers staying at home with her sissie, Sammie, showed her courage and resolve by earning her CGC, Trick Novice and Trick Intermediate titles. This earned her an Achiever Dog certificate. Grace shook during the CGC test but was able to meet the requirements. She has requested that she be left at home and leave the performing to Blue. However, there may be a Farm Dog title in her future.

11 Ch Dashing`s Fire Flower OAJ, NA, CGCA, TKN LILY, CGCA Lily, the Boss of the Six Pack, earned her CGCA and Trick Dog Novice titles, which gave her an Achiever Dog certificate. Unfortunately, Lily sustained a career ending injury forcing her into retirement. Prior to this, Lily earned her championship, 3 agility titles, and a CGC. In 2014, she was Select Bitch at the Greater Pittsburgh Dalmatian Club Specialty out of the Veteran class. She is thinking about a Farm Dog title but can't guarantee the safety of the chickens. Meanwhile, she has returned to her favorite past time, squirrel hunting. UKC CH AKC GCH CH Blackthorn Patch Rendezvous With Destiny CD, RAE, TD, CA, ACT I, CGC, FDC TKN LIZZIE, CGC On a stormy night, Linda and Lizzie drove to Cleveland to test for the CGC. Once again, Lizzie didn t disappoint. At 18 months, she earned her Tracking dog title, Linda s first. Lizzie has had two litters, enjoys hunting and running with the horses. Lizzie s future plans include a TDX, CDX, a bronze championship and an agility title. Life O Riley Zdar & Guardians Livin the Dream CGC OLIVIA, CGC Since achieving her CGC, Olivia earned her therapy dog certification and has hit the road running with therapy work through Stein Hospice and Riley s Angels. Olivia was awarded Best Puppy in Match at the WRDC Puppy Match in She s also been active in Fast CAT (trying to beat out brother Greg to be the fastest of The Molly Bunch). Olivia s future plans are to attain the CGCA & CGCU and continue her therapy work, as well as keep on running toward the BCAT title. A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. Colin Powell

12 Vondals Oscar The Gotsch RI, BCAT, CGCU, TKN OSCAR, CGC, CGCU Don handled Oscar when he obtained his CGC. He then earned his CGCU this past summer with Debbie. Don has plans for Oscar to be his next Frisbee dog. Hopefully, he won t let Don down and he ll catch and return the Frisbee. Whitecap Bay Colony So It Goes RN, CGCU RIO, CGCU Rio has an international breeding with a Canadian sire and an American dam and was born in Brazil. She showed in conformation and earned 6 points and was Best in Puppy Match at WRDC in She had one litter of 6 healthy puppies but had a C-section and was spayed at the delivery, effectively ending her show career. She has earned her Rally Novice and CGC. At 11 years old, she earned a CGCU and an Achiever Dog certificate. She performs in C-wags and has 4 titles. Rio is the Queen of the Gotsch family and she knows it. TRICK DOG Trick dogs first won peoples hearts beginning with Rin Tin Tin ( ) all the way through the adventures of Lassie ( ). In 2017, a trick dog made it to the finals on America s Got Talent. Trick dog training has always been - and still is - one of the most exciting areas in dog training. There are five AKC Trick Titles you and your dog can earn: Novice Trick Dog (TKN), Intermediate Trick Dog (TKI), Advanced Trick Dog (TKA), Trick Dog Performer (TKP), and Trick Dog Elite Performer (TKE). Ch Zdar s Let's Give Them Something to Talk About CD, BN, CAA, RA, MXJ, AX, OF, CGCA, CGCU, FDC, TKP, RD, VA, VAX BLUE, TKN, TKI, TKA, TKP Blue earned her Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Performer Trick Dog titles this year. She is now preparing for her Trick Dog Elite Performer title.

13 Ch Dashing s Blazing Fire CGC, FDC, TKN BLAZE, TKN Blaze reluctantly trained for his Trick Dog title. He was able to master the five required tricks and, with much effort, demonstrated them to the evaluator to obtain his title. Much to his distress, future plans may include a CGCA and additional trick titles. Ch Engine Co's Flames Over IvaDal, FDC, CGCA, CGCU, TKI COAL, TKN, TKI Coal continues to impress his mom, earning his Trick Novice and Intermediate titles. Ann is thrilled with this young man and is looking forward to future accomplishments. Bay Colony s So Here I Am RN, BCAT, CGC, TKN GEEZA, TKN Not to be outdone by her little brother, Oscar, Geeza earned her Trick Novice title. Geeza enjoys showing off her new tricks much more than chasing a silly plastic bag. Guardian & Saphfire's Amazing Grace CGC, TKI GRACE ANN, TKN, TKI After shaking her way through the CGC test, Grace set a goal not to shake or otherwise embarass herself during her tricks testing. She practiced for months and confidently demonstrated hide & seek, push ups, touch, find a treat, and sailed over a jump for the evaluator. She continues to insist that her performance career is over, but (according to her mom) there is a Farm Dog title in her future.

14 Ch Dashing s Fire Flower OAJ, NA, CGCA, TKN LILY, TKN Many of the tricks for the Trick Novice title are agility obstacles, so Lily was at ease as she is a trained agility dog. For those of you who know Lily, she was unimpressed that she had to perform on command, but didn t want to embarass her mother. UKC CH AKC GCH CH Blackthorn Patch Rendezvous With Destiny CD, RAE, TD, CA, ACT I, CGC, FDC, TKN LIZZIE, TKN As you can see from the picture, Lizzie is not amused, but being a loyal Dalmatian, she was willing to do what her mother asked of her. She obtained her title with ease and hopes that her mother is satisfied. Vondals Oscar The Gotsch RN, BCAT, CGCU, TKN OSCAR, TKN After earning his CGC, the next logical title was Trick Novice. Oscar is a natural trickster, so this came easily to him. Here you see him practicing his balancing technique for the wobble board. Ch Dashing s All Fired Up RA, AX, AXJ, TKN, CGC, VA SPARKLES, TKN Sparkles, the career girl, came out of retirement to show her pack how's it's done. She earned her Trick Novice title, which gave her an Achiever Dog certificate. She was thrilled to be working again and her tail never stopped wagging. During her career, Sparkles earned her championship, six agility titles, two rally titles and a CGC. In 2015, DCA awarded her a Versatility Certificate. She has returned to her retirement and currently enjoys her status as Queen Mum of the Six Pack.

15 ACHIEVER DOG CERTIFICATE The Achiever Dog program is a way to introduce and encourage dogs and owners to try a variety of sports. Dogs that are awarded a placement or earn a qualifying score in three different sports will receive a certificate. Twelve Dalmatians from the Western Reserve Dalmatian Club earned their Achiever Dog certificate this year. While not a title, this is still a worthy accomplishment and reflects well on the members who commit to enjoying a variety of activities and events with their Dals. Ch Dashing s Blazing Fire CGC, FDC, TKN BLAZE Ch Zdar s Let's Give Them Something to Talk About CD, BN, CAA, RA, MXJ, AX, OF, CGCA, CGCU, FDC, TKP, RD, VA, VAX BLUE Ch Engine Co's Flames Over IvaDal, FDC, CGCA, CGCU, TKI COAL

16 Bay Colony s So Here I Am RN, BCAT, CGC, TKN GEEZA Guardian & Saphfire's Amazing Grace CGC, TKI GRACE Ch Dashing`s Fire Flower OAJ, NA, CGCA, TKN LILY UKC CH AKC GCH CH Blackthorn Patch Rendezvous With Destiny CD, RAE, TD, CA, ACT I, CGC, FDC TKN LIZZIE

17 Zdar N Guardian Vondals Hey Mickey FDC MICKEY Life O Riley Zdar & Guardians Livin the Dream CGC OLIVIA Vondals Oscar The Gotsch RI, BCAT, CGCU, TKN OSCAR Whitecap Bay Colony So It Goes RN, CGCU RIO

18 Ch Dashing s All Fired Up RA, AX, AXJ, TKN, CGC, VA SPARKLES PUPPY OF ACHIEVEMENTAME SPARKLES The AKC Puppy of Achievement (POA) program was created to help new puppy owners get started in the sport of conformation dog shows. It gives new exhibitors a fun and attainable goal to achieve as they and their dog gain valuable ring experience. Ch Engine Co's Flames Over IvaDal, FDC, CGCA, CGCU, TKI CH. COAL CH Zdar N Siobahn Whatever It Takes CH. KIT KAT

19 WRDC created the Community Service Award to recognize our Ambassadors of the Breed. The award this year is shared by three Dalmatian siblings who have participated in community events and have done therapy work during the year. Their outstanding work in the community has helped many to face their challenges and certainly provided unconditional love. WRDC thanks them for their outstanding work. They are true Ambassadors of the Breed. Life O Riley Zdar & Guardians Livin the Dream OLIVIA Olivia and Lesley have had a very busy year. They have volunteered at Stein Hospice, nursing homes, hospitals, and schools, as well as attended many community events. Olivia and Murray, a Border Collie (along with their respective handlers), are the first two teams for Riley s Angels, an organization formed by Lesley Sinwald and Stacey Sinwald to provide therapy dogs and therapy dog training. The creation of Riley s Angels was inspired by Lesley s first Dalmatian, Riley ( ), who started them on the path of animal-assisted intervention (AAI) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Cleveland State University (CSU) requested that Olivia come during finals week each semester this year. She provided hugs, kisses, and overall love to help students feel calmer during a stressful time. Olivia also attends CSU s Wellness Fest annually. This May, CSU designed an entire event, Pawsitively Stress Free, around Olivia and Murray. At Pawsitively Stress Free, students and faculty spent the entire day eating hot dogs and puppy chow, making stuffed dogs (like Build-a-Bear), and alleviating stress with Olivia and Murray in the Student Center. According to medical researchers (Heady et al, 2002), nursing homes that have therapy dogs present have been able to lower medication costs from an average of $3.80 per patient per day to $1.18 per patient per day. Their presence also lowers blood pressure, diminishes overall physical pain, and releases endorphins (oxytocin) that have a calming effect for the residents. Olivia listens intently as a first grader at Furry Elementary reads to her. Tufts University research (2017) has shown that students who read to a therapy dog in an ongoing program gain two or more grade levels in reading skills. During the summer, Olivia and Murray were asked to do a six-week program called Mindfulness Mondays for a local recovery center for those with mental health disorders, alcohol abuse, and drug addictions. Lesley & Olivia and Stacey & Murray led a one-hour walk with people from the recovery center, then returned to the center to participate in a meditation session and yoga (Olivia and Murray were front and center during yoga!). She and Murray are pictured here with the yoga instructor.

20 Life O Riley Zdar & Guardians More Than a Hunch GREG Greg really enjoys children, so along with his work at Stein Hospice, nursing homes, and hospitals, he visits Camp Good Grief and participates in a weekly reading program at a local elementary school. At a family s request, a local funeral home contacts Greg and Richard to be present during visiting hours as a comfort and support to families and friends trying to manage their grief. Greg and Olivia carry on Chance and Grace s work at Camp Good Grief. Each summer, they assist the counselors at week-long camps in three different cities. These camps help children ages 5-13 who have lost someone significant in their lives. Lesley explains to the kids that the dogs are safe to confide in and will never tell their secrets and counselors report that many kids who have not been willing to talk to them will open up to the dogs, helping them finally cope with their grief. Greg enjoys the pictures as he listens to a first grader read him a story. It gets very lonely in a nursing home, but a visit from a dog helps. Many residents had dogs when they were younger, so these visits allow them to remember and share their stories. Life O Riley Zdar & Guardians Livin the Vida Loca BOBBY Bob just has that je ne sais quoi about him - people are attracted to him wherever he goes. During this past year, he spent considerable time with hospice patients and is a hit with residents at the Ohio Veterans Home. Bob visits patients at the Cleveland Cancer Center and the local MRDD facility. Bob s loving, sweet, silly personality makes him very popular at the many community events and demonstrations he participates in. Bob poses in front of the donation tree at Stein Hospice before he begins his rounds. Bob always wants to be helpful, so Lesley is currently teaching him how to press the elevator button all by himself. Bob visits with a patient at the Stein Hospice in-patient unit. He brings a smile to patients and families during a difficult time.

21 The Western Reserve Dalmatian Club was formed in 1965 and continues today because of its members who work hard to organize and man our shows and events, bring their dogs to Meet the Breed events, and much more. We value each of our members and want to acknowledge those who have hit some very important membership milestones. TIM & DIANE KOMPIER 10 YEARS For 10 years, Tim and Diane have been active WRDC members. They faithfully attend meetings and WRDC sponsored events. Tim is a past board member and helps with setting up and tearing down the puppy match and the WRDC specialty. Diane quietly takes care of the WRDC specialty lunch by setting up, serving and cleaning up. If there is a job that needs done, Tim & Diane are always willing to help. Tim & Diane live with their three Dalmatians: Johnny, Mitzie & PJ. Tim showed them in conformation and Johnny & Mitzie are pointed. WRDC would like to thank Tim & Diane for their service and love of the breed. JOANNE SHUPP 10 YEARS Joanne Shupp has been a WRDC member for ten years. Joanne has been a judge for the puppy match and has helped at the specialty. Joanne is a dedicated Dalmatian breeder and owner. She shows in confirmation and performance events. WRDC would like to thank Joanne for her service and dedication to the breed.

22 NANCY ABBOTT 20 YEARS For 20 years, Nancy Abbott is a working WRDC member and she s been the treasurer for the past 8 years. Prior to assuming the position, Nancy assisted Nancy Bishop with the treasurer s responsibilities so there was a smooth transition when the time came. Nancy quietly takes care of the little things such as compiling and distributing the membership roster, storing the puppy match and specialty prizes, managing the trophy list and ordering show ribbons. Nancy lives with her two Dalmatians, Chesterfield & Katie. Overseeing the Abbott household is Izzy, the beagle, who raised Nancy's four Dalmatians. Captain and Sweetie are patiently waiting at the Bridge. WRDC would like to thank Nancy for her service and her love of the breed. STEVE & PAM WEISMAN 30 YEARS It s amazing what buying a puppy will do for your life! That is where Steve and Pam s journey started. They bought their first house, had a baby and wanted a dog to make the family complete. Having a wooded backyard, they decided to go with a short haired breed. Off to the Western Reserve Kennel Club Summer Show at the Metro Parks Polo Field they went, meeting Kathy Murphy, who had one puppy boy left in a litter. The puppy had show potential, so Steve and Pam told Kathy they would give showing a try. So now 31 years later they are being acknowledged for 30 years of membership. Steve has been a board member and an all over worker, helping to get show trophies, setting up/breaking down rings, cooking food, judging sweepstakes at the specialty and multiple puppy matches, transporting judges, and supporting Pam s positions. Pam has been a past and current board member, Vice President, President, Show Chair, Spotted Copy Editor for many years, and helped plan several DCA Shows with Kathy Szomoru and now with Linda Lombardi. Pictured below are Mia, Casey, and Tex. Their family has also included Jake, Max, Leah, and Gidget. The friendships have been numerous through the years and keep growing. Pam says that being a member of WRDC is an extended family. With their involvement with the DCA, the Dalmatian friendships go beyond this club and cover Canada and the whole United States. We are so appreciative of Pam and Steve s contributions to the club over the past 30 years and for their love of the breed.

23 What is an unsung hero? Is it someone who quietly takes care of the little things as well as tackling the big projects? Is it someone who tirelessly serves the club and never asks for recognition? Well, if that s the definition, then Don Gotsch is WRDC s man. DON GOTSCH Don has been a WRDC member for 24 years and his contribution to the club is immeasurable. Don has served as a board member and as President. He is editor and publisher of the Spotted Copy. He assists members with ad designs, publishes relevant articles, and keeps our members informed of club activities. Don donates his time and talent by designing and creating the award plaques. He donates his Dalmatian Dock as a prize for our Best of Breed. He helps set up and tear down the meetings, the puppy matches, and the specialties. More importantly, he is our grill master. Whenever there s a job to do, Don s first words are How can I help? WRDC would like to take this moment to recognize and thank our Unsung Hero, Don Gotsch.

24 WHO WE ARE The Western Reserve Dalmatian Club is located in Cleveland, Ohio. With the objective of promoting the pure bred Dalmatian, the club was formed in 1965 and has grown to approximately 40 members that meet monthly. Club members are actively involved with their Dalmatians participating in AKC conformation, obedience, agility and many other performance events. Members march with their dogs in parades and others compete with their Dals in Frisbee competitions. Some of our Dals even work as Therapy Dogs, visiting with hospice patients, nursing home residents, and veterans to bring comfort and healing to them. The members are a very diverse group of individuals, all brought together by the love of Dalmatians. CONTACT US Members of the Western Reserve Dalmatian Club are available to answer questions or help you decide if a Dalmatian is right for you and your family. Life O Riley Publications