Giant Tales. President s Message, September Upcoming Events: February 4, 2017 Western Regional. Inside this issue:

Transcription

1 G S C A M O N T H L Y E N E W S L E T T E R September 2016 Volume 16, Issue 9 Giant Tales President s Message, September 2016 Inside this issue: National Specialty Items Upcoming Events: October 14-16, 2016 National Specialty, Enid, OK November 12, 2016 Eastern Regional Specialty December 2016 National Championships, Orlando, FL February 4, 2017 Western Regional 3-9 New Titles 10 Announcements 11 CHF Funding 12 Regional Specialties 13 Board Minutes Financials 16 I can t believe fall is already here and the National is about 5 weeks away! The Specialty team has been working hard to put together a great National for all. As I reviewed the sponsors, I am in awe of the generosity of our members. If you haven t been told, thank all of you for your support of the National and Southern Regional. This is the one time of the year that we get to see old friends, make new friends, and bring together the best group of Giants out there. The ballots for the National judges for 2017 and 2018 have been sent and sadly, there have been very few returned. The ballots will be counted on the weekend of September 23rd. Shortly thereafter we will announce the judges that have been selected. I would like you all to consider a revision in the Standing Rules regarding the selection of the National judge. I am not sure when the process changed, but this change has not worked out well for the club. As it is right now, a list is sent to all members with the judges that are qualified to judge our National. The members pick their choices and return the ballots. Then the top 5 judges are identified and called to see if they would be interested in judging for us. If they cannot or will not, the next person on the list is called and so on until there are 5 people to put on a ballot for the members to choose from, a biography of those judges is put together, then the ballot is sent for member voting. Many times, the person who received the most votes refuses to be considered because we are not contacting them enough in advance. Judges accept assignments years in advance. This is double work and not how other clubs I have spoken with do their judges selection; the judge with the most votes is called and offered the assignment. If they do not accept the assignment, the next person with the most votes is called. There may have been a time when this double process worked, when the other Standing Rules about how far out (3 years) a National should be planned were being followed. With the dwindling number of members showing conformation and willing to put all the time and energy into planning a National, this system just is not working. The board is working on a proposal for revision of this Standing Rule. If any of you have any ideas how to make this a smoother process, please contact Kappy Zahn or me. This will be a member vote via e-ballot or paper. Look for updates as we have them. I was told there were some questions about Fun Days, allowing puppy buyers to join for 1 year just because they bought a puppy, the changes to the Breeder s listing, and dwindling membership. I will address the Fun Day issue first. It has never been mandatory to have Fun Days. They are just a group of likeminded people, who love their Giants that get together somewhere, usually someone s home to hang out together. I, personally, have done 3 at my home. I cook for everyone, sometimes someone will bring a covered dish and we have a theme. I have done Rally, let s look at agility equipment, and pet grooming. The club has never covered any of these events with their insurance. My house, my insurance. This is a huge liability. If anyone or any dog gets hurt at my house I am the one who is liable. Back East many, many years ago there was one in Eastern Pennsylvania at a fairgrounds. I drove 7 hours to play there and it was fun. That was in a time when lawsuits were not prevalent and no insurance was needed. Most recently, I suggested a get-together at my house. I was told it was too far to drive (less than 1 hour). Anyone can have a Fun Day, as they are not sanctioned by the club. Just invite all the Giant people around you, members or not, and have a great day doing something with your dog or just talking to other Giant lovers.

2 Page 2 President's Message, continued The second question about new puppy buyers getting 1 year free membership has been discussed by the Board several times. There are several issues with this. First and foremost, the Constitution does not allow for this. Secondly, not all Breeders screen their puppy buyers as well as others. Frequently, I tell people it would be easier to adopt a child than get a puppy from me. Many of you are like me. Most of you know there are member breeders who will sell a dog to anyone. We can t force them to screen the people who buy their puppies. We would not want some of those puppy buyers in the club. Several years ago a person was voted in as a member, with the thought they could be mentored to better understand the health screening, the reason your breeding stock evaluated in the conformation ring etc. Sadly, the mentoring just didn t help. Now there is a member that just wants to breed her dogs and sell puppies. Bottom line is you couldn t allow puppy buyers from Breeder A to join for that year and not from Breeder B. That is called discrimination and is, once again, grounds for a lawsuit. The Breeder s list was down for some time for several reasons. The Board was trying to determine the best screening for those on the list and to have Breeders who have been members for a long time listed. There have been several people who actually have joined only to get on the Breeder s list and sell their puppies or to sell puppies for people who were not members of the club. Once the Board thought the wording was correct, it needed to go to an attorney to make sure we were protected. If you have noted, it is no longer called the Breeder Referral List. This was at the advice of AKC and the club attorney. If it is a referral list, that means we stand behind the people on the list. If someone has an issue with a breeder, then the GSCA would be responsible for whatever the issue is, because we had them on the Referral List. Lastly, as I have mentioned before, we are now one of the low entry breeds. This is not just in the Conformation ring, but in other venues as well. The Board has discussed this also on many occasions. Dog showing has become a rich man s sport. The entry fees have almost doubled since I started showing dogs. Then, because of the overall low entries, Clubs across the country are folding. In the East, there remain many shows. If you live west of the Mississippi, good luck. Most shows are several hundred miles apart. Venues that have had majors in the past are now lucky to have any Giants (or other breeds for that matter). Many people these days want instant gratification. They expect to get a dog, go in the ring, and win. They become discouraged when they do not. Maybe the dog isn t groomed correctly, but when help is offered, they refuse. Maybe the dog has not been touched or around a ring because they don t see the need to train their dog. This isn t just for conformation, it is for all the dog sports. Those of you who still show your dogs have worked hard. You train several days a week, if not every day. You spend hours on grooming, perfecting your handling, studying, and learning. What I see in my profession as a Nurse Practitioner, is a society that wants a quick fix. They don t want to have to give medication every day for months. They don t want to change their child s diet. Why? There must be a pill to fix it. When did this all change? I have no idea, but with an exception of a few, it was not over the Board of the GSCA. We can t give people money to show their dogs. We can t force them to go to class or learn to groom their dogs. We can encourage them, be pleasant, and mentor them. If they participate in a part of the sport you know nothing about, help them connect with someone who is successful in that arena or tell them where to look for the answer. Empower them. If Board members or the general membership do all the work for them, they will never learn. When I have questions about why something was done by the previous Boards, I call an old time member. They usually know the rationale behind the clause or Standing Rule. If they don t know, I call someone else. Many times it becomes crystal clear why something was done. See you at the National! Kim

3 Page 3 National Specialty Items for Sale SHORT SLEEVE T-SHIRT 100% cotton in Texas Orange in Prairie Dust LONGSLEEVE T-SHIRT 100% cotton in Texas Orange in Carolina Blue

4 Page 4 Giant Tales Volume 16, Issue 9 National Specialty Items for Sale

5 Page 5 Giant Tales Volume 16, Issue 9

6 Page 6 Michael and Rachael Sundeen Estes Place Parker, CO rachael-sundeen@gmail.com Cindy & Harry Wallace Nickolas Welton PO Box Seattle, WA ndwelton@gmail.com Bridgette & Bernie Tuerler Sylvia Hammarstrom Todd and Laura Ray 2400 Tiger Lane Richland, WA lauraray99@hotmail.com Howard & Bonnie Postovit

7 Page National Specialty Update October 14-16, Enid, Oklahoma 3 Days of Conformation / Obedience / Agility Garfield County Fairgrounds East Oxford Ave., Enid, Oklahoma Reminders: Host Hotel La Quinta Inn, 4914 West Owen Garriott, Enid, OK, (580) Mention the Giant Schnauzer Club of America for the special rate of $95/night up to a week before. RV PARKING With Electrical and Water Hookups $20.00 per night (regardless of utilities used) No Reservations required. A section of the extra large parking lot will be cordon off for Giant Schnauzer RVs. Breed, Obedience & Rally Superintendent Jack Onofrio Dog Shows Grooming: No reservations required. A large section will be blocked off for the GSCA. AGILITY all breed limited to 330 runs per day (enter early) Agility Premium Located on the Sooner State Kennel Club Agility web site: members.fullnet.net/ dlboyer/ ewexternal- Files/10_2016% 20Premium-1.pdf Please Donate to the Auction! We are in need of auction items! Please contact Liz Lagmanson if you can help. VOLUNTEERS WANTED No Experience Needed Please contact Jennifer Tennison jeniteni@yahoo.com Trophy Sponsors and General Donations Needed Contact Bonnie Postovit postsurf@aol.com

8 Page 8 Giant Tales Volume 16, Issue 9 TENATIVE National Specialty Schedule TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Thursday, October 13, :00 p.m. CGC Test, Judge - Kim Demchak 5:00 p.m. Judges Education Seminar presented by Steve Fox 6:00 p.m. GSCA Annual Board Meeting Friday, October 14, :00 a.m. National Obedience/Rally Trial, Judge - Mr. Rick Garvin Supported entry Excellent/Masters STD/JWW only agility, Time TDB Judge Mark Upshaw 1:00 p.m. National Specialty Sweepstakes, Judge - Ms. Rita Holloway 2:00 p.m. National Specialty Breed, Judge - Mr. Doug Holloway 5:00 p.m. Meet and Greet, and Hor d'oeuvres 6:00 p.m. GSCA Annual General Meeting Saturday, October 15, 2016 Time TBD National Agility supported entry T2B, STD/JWW, judge Mark Upshaw 10:00 a.m. Southern Regional Specialty Sweepstakes, Judge - TBD Immediately following Sweeps Southern Regional Specialty Breed, Judge - Mr. Richard Lewis Time TBD Southern Regional Obedience/Rally, Judge - Rick Garvin (in conjunction with Sooner State KC's All Breed show) Seminar Dr. Heather Owen - To speak, demonstrate and have a 2:30 p.m. video presentation on Chiropractic and Holistic healing and Physical Therapy for dogs 5:15 p.m. Cocktails and Silent Auction 6:30 p.m. Annual Banquet and Live Auction Sunday, October 16, 2016 Time TBD Time TBD Time TBD Southern Regional supported entry Agility T2B, STD/JWW, Judge Mark Upshaw Supported Entry Breed, Judge - Mr. Gary Anderson All Breed Obedience/Rally, Judge Mr. Richard Lewis

9 Page 9 Giant Tales Volume 16, Issue 9

10 Page 10 New Titles! Dog Title Dog Name Sex Owners Name Champion CH Absolute Enjoy The Journey Of Ramahill D Denise Troia & Marcia Adler & JoAnn Edmonds Champion CH Aspen Leaf's Jacqueline Kennedy B Marne Martin-Tucker & Michael Tucker Champion CH Firezone's Echoes Of Ramos' Legacy CGC B Brenda Cejka & Marina Raukhverger Champion CH Hatten's What Happens In Vegas B Jim Hatten & Kimberly Hatten Champion CH Skansen's Moby D Sylvia Hammarstrom Champion Grand Champion CH Wildwoods Big Show Of Heart V Moose CD PCD BN B Jean K Lundholm GCH CH Happy Trails Watcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy D Robin M Clifton Grand Champion Bronze GCHB CH Skansen's Look At Me II B Cynthia Sansone & Steven Sansone Grand Champion Silver GCHS CH Skansen's Jackpot D Ron Galarneau & Joni Galarneau Companion Dog Fanta C Queen Bella CD BN B Kim R Vaughn & Nancy E. Nier Rally Novice Lagniappe's Ella Dancing Under The Midnight Sun RN B Neal Sullivan & Linda Waltman & Dianna Sullivan Rally Advanced Excellent Hemi Vom Engelskotten CD PCD BN RAE MX MXJ MJB OAP AJP XF OFP T2B B Rebecca Letson Master Excellent PACH Riesenrad's Midnight Angel CD Jumper Preferred BN RN MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX 4 CGC B Wendy Sheffler & Tarja Ahlgren Canine Good Citizen Happy Trails Sweet By And By CGC B Kimberly Bruni Canine Good Citizen Skansen's Olga Le Blanc CGC B Tammy LeBlanc Advanced Canine Good Citizen Skansen's Olga Le Blanc CGCA B Tammy LeBlanc Open Barn Hunt GCHG CH Spicerack She's All That RN CAA RATO B Melisa Davis

11 Page 11 Congratulations to Laura Feldt and Jetta! Laura and Jetta were one of over 50 teams invited to the AKC National Tracking Invitational. Once the invitations are sent, the team has to be drawn to compete. Only 12 dogs can actually compete at the NTI. On behalf of the GSCA, congratulations to Laura and Jetta for making it past the draw! The event is being held on September 17 & 18, 2016 in Clermont, KY. Good Luck and Best Wishes! TRUST YOUR DOG! New Member Applications Gregory and Lina Carman 6 Marie Thomas Ct Farmingdale NY, ltcarman@verizon.net William & Tonilyn Fay Shannon Dwyer and Wesley Huxley 59 Orchid Rd Meriden, CT shannonbdwyer@yahoo.com William & Tonilyn Fay Luis and Melissa Delatorre 806 Centre Ave Lindenhurst, NY delatorremk@gmail.com William & Tonilyn Fay Kristeen Hauk 2875 Pruss Hill Rd Pottstown, PA Hauk69@gmail.com Marina Raukhverger Richard Poyfair Gregory Wilkins and Valerie Wiel-Wilkins 697 Leetes Island Rd Branford, CT Mailing: PO Box 3011, Branford, CT VGWgoodwins27@gmail.com William & Tonilyn Fay

12 Page 12 AKC CHF Announces Funding for Canine Thyroid Disease RALEIGH, N.C. (August 29, 2016) The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent, treat and cure diseases in all dogs, announces an exciting new grant that aims to address thyroid disease in dogs. Funding for this grant is made possible by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), a long-time partner of CHF. Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders in adult dogs with a majority of cases caused by autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). The dog s own immune system attacks the thyroid gland causing progressive, irreversible destruction of thyroid gland cells resulting in loss of thyroid hormone production. This disorder is similar to Hashimoto s thyroiditis, a leading cause of hypothyroidism in people. Brian Petroff, DVM, PhD and Kent R. Refsal, DVM, PhD of Michigan State University will study dogs with elevated thyroglobulin autoantibodies (TgAA) as a marker for early stage AIT. Identification of elevated TgAA with otherwise normal thyroid hormone concentrations is referred to as subclinical thyroiditis. Dogs with subclinical thyroiditis are considered at risk of progression to hypothyroidism. It is assumed that while dogs with subclinical thyroiditis have increased TgAA, the rate of progression to hypothyroidism varies, and not all dogs with increased TgAA will become hypothyroid. Drs. Petroff and Refsal aim to more accurately define the proportion of dogs that subsequently develop hypothyroidism, and a progression timeline. Year after year, thyroid disease has been listed among the top ten parent club health concerns. The OFA is pleased to join our long-standing partner, the AKC Canine Health Foundation, and one of the country s leading endocrine labs at Michigan State University, in pursuing and funding this important research, said Eddie Dziuk, OFA chief operating officer. OFA continues to be a strong ally in our mission to improve the health and wellness of all dogs, said Dr. Diane Brown, CHF CEO. Thyroid disease remains an important canine health concern, and this project will help us better understand the progression of thyroid disorders in dogs, with potential to improve understanding of the disease in humans as well.

13 Page 13 Eastern Regional Specialty, November 2016 Giant Tales Volume 16, Issue 9 GSCA 2016 Eastern Regional Specialty and Supported entry In conjunction with the Salisbury Maryland Kennel Club All Breed dog shows. 4 Days of shows Obedience and Rally. National Owner Handler Series and Bred By Exhibitor Competition November 12th - Specialty Day. Specialty Judge -Dr. Klaus Anselm Puppy and Veterans Sweepstakes Judge - Georgia Sabean November 11th - Supported Entry Judge - Mrs. Joan Anselm November 10th Judge Mr. Steven Gladstone November 9th Judge Mr. Kenneth Buxton Superintendent is : MB-F Inc. Donations and Volunteers needed. SPREAD THE WORD! Western Regional Specialty, February 2017 Heart of the Desert Classic show cluster Feb 2-6 in Phx AZ. There will be six(6) chances for points. The working dog club of AZ Specialty on Feb 2. There will be obedience, rally, owner handler competition, and 4 all breed shows. Please support this wonderful event! Contact Ginny Maese with questions. Competition time! There will be an art competition for all Giant lovers for the Western Regional Specialty theme "Heart of the Desert". The artwork will be used for trophies and hospitality bags. Send your entry to Ginny Maese by October 15, 2016.

14 Page 14 Board Minutes, August 9, 2016 Board Members Present: Kim Demchak, Howard Postovit, Janine Poyfair, Kappy Zahn and Melissa Davis Board Members Absent: Brenda Cejka, Jennifer Tennison and Mike Rutkas Call to Order: 7:39 PM CST Next meeting to be held September 13, Approval of Minutes: Kim Demchak Howard moved that the minutes for August 2016 be approved as written. Kim seconded. Motion passed On July 28 th, 2016 a Special Meeting was called by Board President Kim Demchak to discuss a potential Western Regional to be held February 2 nd, 2017 in conjunction with the Working Dog Club of Arizona. This show will be part of a five day week-end of shows. Ginny Maese requested the Specialty and has agreed to be the chair. Concerns from the Board included the show day, which is 1 week before the Garden, the weather, and most concerning the entry. There has not been a major in Arizona since 2012, with a Regional Specialty that was held in April. Recent entries have been 2 class bitches and 1 Specials. There have been no Giants in Nevada or New Mexico. There were 2 shows in California with 1 Giant each and one with 2dogs and 3 bitches, which is not a major. Travel conditions in other states and northern Arizona are not always favorable in February. The motion was made by Kim Demchak to allow the Specialty to be held. Howard seconded. The motion passed. The necessary paperwork needs to be submitted to finalize plans. Several motions were made during the month by . They are as follows: Kim made a motion on July 30, 2016 to use the new vendor at a cost of $45 per shirt with the club paying the $30 as in the past and the member paying the additional $15 if they want the shirt option. Howard seconded. The motion passed. An invoice from Print Tex Graphics in the about of $4, was presented by Robyn Elliott for payment for the current issue of Steps. Kim made a motion on August 4, 2016 to approve the $4, invoice from Print Tex Graphics. Melissa seconded. The motion passed. Pam Foster submitted a reimbursement form in the amount of $660 for postage for Steps. Kim made a motion on 8/5/16 to approve the reimbursement to Pam Foster i/a/o $660 Janine seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Treasurer s Report: Howard submitted the report in Jennifer s absence. Howard made a motion to approve the treasurer s report as presented. Kim seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Howard reported that our taxes are complete for 2015 and will be filed on August 10, Unfinished Business: Kim asked Howard about the chair for the 2018 National. Mike and Howard have not had an opportunity to discuss. Howard is considering someone from the Midwest. We would like to consider adding Barn Hunt at this event. Kim will look into this and be the Secretary, as she is a recognized secretary for Barn Hunt. Regional Directors: Eastern Director: Janine discussed the 2017 National. She will be looking at the supported entry this weekend in Harrisburg to recruit members to assist. Southern Director: Melissa reported there are no new activities in the South at this time. Howard reported that there is still about $2,000 in that account at this time. Howard reported that Marina will be added to the existing account and Robin Henderson needs to have her name removed from the account. Howard will transfer $1500 back to the main bank account and leave the seed money of $500 in the account for Marina to use for the Eastern Regional. Kappy asked if we have received a final report from the Southern Regional and suggested that Specialty accounts need to be resolved in a timely fashion. Howard will contact Robin for that final report. Western Director: Kappy reported there is no new activities in the West at this time. Midwestern Director: Mike was absent but did report to Kim he is finalizing plans for a Mid-west Specialty with the host club. New Business: Pins to recognize members for years of continuous service have been ordered. Presales of items for Nationals and Specialties were discussed to determine the value of this as opposed to just having the items available at the show. Kappy felt that items should be posted on our website. Kim asked if any board members had reviewed the rescue code of ethics. We need to review this quickly so we can set up a standard for donations, etc. to the rescue groups. We will vote next month. AKC Ambassador Club info was received from the AKC asking if we would like to appoint a representative. Kim asked if we had an interest in participating in this program. We already participate in different regions with our ambassador dogs. We will table this at this time and discuss at a later date. Bridgette Tuerler has resigned as the Gazette Editor. We are looking for a replacement. There was general discussion on Steps with new articles and advertising to make each issue cover multiple topics as opposed to each issue being specific to Performance, National, Breeder, Rescue, etc. We would like each issue to apply to everyone s interest. Kim made a motion to reimburse Robyn Elliott $ for postage and envelopes for the mailing of Steps. Howard seconded Motion passed unanimously. Unfinished Business: Howard reported on E- Balloting. He has been researching firms that can handle our balloting results. He found a company, surveymethods.com, that can do the tallying for us. Fees are nominal. He will be researching further.

15 Page 15 Board Minutes, continued Kim made a motion that Howard look into this with more detail and set up an account. Melissa seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Howard reported that if you are not a member in good standing by March 31 st of each year you will not be eligible for any awards. There was discussion of adding this to our application along with e-balloting. Kim will work on the application. There was also discussion on setting up a PayPal account if not cost prohibitive. Howard reported that Bonnie is still working on the article for the newsletter for Agility Points. New Members: Ben Franzoso and Anna Stromberg Wildlilfe Lane Brooksville, FL Anna Ph: Ben Ph: Anna astromberg1@gmail.com Ben Gschnauzer 16@aol.com Vicki Kallett and Cindy Wallace Kim made a motion to approve Ben Franzoso and Anna Stromberg Howard seconded. Motion passed unanimously Donna Colt 6295 W. Reynolds Rd. Haslett, MI djsimonrn@windstream.net Pam McCleary and Vicki Kallett Kim made a motion to approve Donna Colt Howard seconded Motion passed unanimously Deborah Simon 200 Doncaster Rd. Versailles, KY donnacolt@hotmail.com Steve Fox and Laura Feldt Kim made a motion to approve Deborah Simon Howard seconded Motion passed unanimously New Member Applications: Laura and Todd Ray 2400 Tiger Lane Richland, WA Lauraraya99@hotmail.com Rachael and Michael Sundeen Estes Place Parker, CO Rachael-sundeen@gmail.com Harry and Cynthia Wallace Nicholas Nick Welton PO Box Seattle, WA ndwelton@gmail.com Bridgette and Bernie Tuerler and Sylvia Hammarstrom Kappy made a motion to adjourn Howard seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:14 PM CST Howard and Bonnie Postovit

16 Page 16 Financials

17 GSCA E NEWSLETTER Editor: Robyn Elliott gscatales@gmail.com Celebrating over 50 years of the GSCA Giant Schnauzer Club of America, Inc. is a member club of the AKC. Please send suggestions and photos to editor. Deadline for submission is BEFORE the 10th of each month.