The Golden West The Official Newsletter of the Evergreen Golden Retriever Club

Transcription

1 The Evergreen Golden Retriever Club The Golden West The Official Newsletter of the Evergreen Golden Retriever Club January 18, 2017 Volume 50, issue 1 Next General Membership Meeting Awards Banquet Sunday March 3rd, 2018 See next page for more information. *A short Club business meeting followed by the Award presentation* page 1

2 EGRC Awards Banquet March 3, th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA (One block west of I-405 in S. Bellevue near the large hotels right next to the freeway!!) 5:00--No host Bar 5:30--General Meeting followed by Dinner (Taco & Enchilada Bar) and Awards We hope everyone will come & support our Club member s accomplishments!! If you can t make the dinner, the Awards with start about 7:15 In order to get the menu set, Deb will need reservations by Wed. Feb. 28. The price will be $18/person which includes tax & tip. Any questions feel free to contact Deb Pampiks or debandfrank@comcast.net Mail to: Deb Pampiks th Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA Name # Attending Amount Enclosed ($18/ Person) page 2

3 Amy Raby s GRCA Coloumn ON ABUSED RESCUE DOGS By Amy Raby Back in July, there was a celebrity brouhaha over Lena Dunham rehoming her dog Lamby, which she d adopted from a no-kill shelter. The dog was aggressive and had bitten people on several occasions. Dunham claimed the dog had suffered terrible abuse as a pup. The shelter was angry with Dunham for rehoming the dog instead of returning it to them, and said that Lamby had no history of abuse. I have no intention of picking on Lena Dunham. I don t know her, and I don t know her dog. When a dog is aggressive towards people, it s a serious situation, and I would never judge the owner for ensuring the safety of herself and her family. I want to talk about her claim, disputed by the shelter, that Lamby had been abused. This story is a well-publicized example of something I hear all the time. I know lots of people with dogs adopted from shelters. Some of their dogs are great and well adjusted. Some of them have behavior problems. In the latter case, invariably the owner will say, She was abused before I got her. Was she? There must be an absolute epidemic of people beating their dogs, given how often I hear this. But how would a new owner adopting a dog know it had been abused? Does the previous owner, say, upon surrendering it, I was abusing this dog, but I don t want it anymore? I believe most owners who claim their dogs were abused are guessing. They see a fearful response and assume it must be because of prior trauma. Never mind that fear can be a natural reaction to novel stimuli. Prior trauma is an interpretation that is satisfying for the owner. They get to feel extra heroic for rescuing a traumatized animal. But I don t believe that most of these dogs were abused in so dramatic a way. The abuse most of these dogs suffered, perhaps poor Lamby among them, was being bred in a puppy mill or by a clueless backyard breeder, and being raised in an impoverished environment with inadequate socialization. The abuse was being carelessly bred, with genes for poor temperament passed down from generation to generation instead of being painstakingly bred away from. The abuse was being taken away from their mother and littermates too early or too late. The abuse was receiving inadequate or confusing training from their puppy owner, inadequate socialization, unclear leadership, no confidence-building, and no clear message about what was expected of them. page 3

4 I realize this isn t the dramatic story the person who adopts a dog from a shelter may want. I ve watched those tear-jerking videos on Facebook, where dog rescuers lasso some matted-up stray, clean it up, get rid of all the teas and fleas, and give it a new home. Or they break the bonds of some dog who s been chained for years and gave him a new life. I understand the desire to make that kind of a difference in a dog s life, from abject misery to the lap of luxury. But I believe many problem dogs are simply the victims of bad husbandry. Poor breeding and/or commercial breeding, and then being raised by people who couldn t be bothered to invest the time or to learn how to do it right. The puppies grow into dogs with a litany of problems: fearfulness, anxiety, aggression, destructiveness, you name it. A recent study of guide dog puppies divided six litters into two groups. One group received the usual socialization protocol, and the other received an enhanced protocol that added such activities as walking over a variety of floor surfaces from weeks 2-4, being placed in front of a mirror, hearing televisions and smartphones, and by 5 weeks, playing outside and being exposed to people with sunglasses, moustaches and hats. Later, at eight months of age, the puppies were tested. Those who d had the enhanced program showed less separation-related behavior and general anxiety, less body sensitivity, and lower distraction scores. Consider somebody rescuing an adult dog and observing that it has anxiety. Do you think they would imagine that their dog s anxiety might stem from its not having received adequate socialization during the early weeks of puppyhood? But that might be the reason, rather than abuse. The first weeks of a puppy s life are critically important in developing a stable, happy dog, and yet this fact is virtually unknown among the dog-owning population. We live at a time when breeders are under attack, and some people want to make shelters the only place to acquire a dog. But breeders responsible breeders are not the problem. We are the solution. Imagine a world in which every puppy was bred from lines with stable temperaments, was raised with enhanced socialization with the breeder for its first 8 (or so) weeks of life, and then was appropriately socialized and trained by its puppy owner. I know it s a pipe dream. But speaking hypothetically, think about how that would change the shelter landscape: how few dogs would be dumped or returned for behavior problems. Not to mention, if owners insisted on buying only intensively socialized and carefully-bred puppies, puppy millers couldn t stay in business. Could Lena Dunham s heartbreak have been avoided if her puppy had been bred and raised in better circumstances? We need to get the message out there to the dog-owning and dog-loving public. It matters how puppies are bred. And it really, really matters how a puppy is raised during its first weeks of life. We re not the problem. We re the solution th Ave NE, Redmond, WA, 98052; 425/ ; amyraby@gmail.com page 4

5 Membership Renewal Remember to renew your membership for 2018, many members haven t yet> Go to our website and download the form: Donation Committee It is this time of the year to figure out, which Charities we should support with donations. We need to create a Donation Committee of 3 club members, who can tackle this task. If you are interested in doing some service to your club, please contact any board member. Breeders List Guidelines Committee The EGRC Board would like to revisit our attempt to update/rewrite the club s Breeders List Guidelines and therefore will need to create a new Committee to take on this task. So if you have an interest in being on this committe please contact any board member by March 7, which is our board meeting in March. New GW Newsletter Editor I have by now done the GW Newsletter for the last 2 years, and was hoping somebody would like to give it a try, so I can get a break. If you can use any computer program, like Adobe ID, Microsoft Office Pub. or similar programs, and would like to do this, please contact me at anbrus@comcast.net or call me (425) Standing Rules Review Committee The Board would like to appoint a committee to review the Standing Rules and make sure that it is up to date with any changes made since it was last revised in In addition, the committee would assess the rules to see if there are some that are out of date and need to be deleted or that there might be things that need to be added. If interested, contact a Board member. EGRC information booth at SKC It is that time of year - time to sign up for the Educational Booth at the Seattle Kennel Club. Please contact either Sandy Scudder at sunburstgoldens@aol.com or Gloria Kaczmarski at rajashanti@comcast.net As always, many thanks to those who have already contacted me. If you have never volunteered at the booth, we are asking that you donate 2 hours of your time at the booth helping educate the public about Golden Retrievers. We love it if you want to bring your dog ( and so does the public). Looking forward to hearing from you! page 5

6 Evergreen Golden Retriever Club December General Membership Meeting and Holiday Party December 2, 5:00 p.m. Kirkland Women s Club, Kirkland, WA CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:32 p.m. by Nancy Light, President. Guests were introduced: Cheri Ouellette (second year at the party); Lee Anne McDermott, Mark Carroll and Dave Scudder MINUTES: The minutes of the October 2017 general meeting were printed in the November Golden West. MOTION: by Shari Phillips to accept the minutes. APPROVED. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT: Welcomed members and guests Thanked Connie for her wonderful work organizing the party Reminded everyone to renew their membership Merchandise donated by Lori Langston available for purchase at the party. Two major items required discussion and vote: oby-laws changes obreeders list changes These changes were in the Golden West for all members to review. REPORT OF THE BOARD: The Board approved the Breeders List Program as recommended by the Breeders List Committee for presentation to the membership for their approval at the December meeting. The By-Laws were approved as well by the Board for presentation to the membership for approval. The following Committees reported: REPORT OF TREASURER: (Linda) Linda reported the checking account and Money Market balances. They can be viewed on the members only section of the website. SKC (BOOTH/MEET THE BREED) - Information will be in the Golden West for the upcoming event. Send an to Sandy or Gloria if interested in helping out. NEW BUSINESS: There were two ballots for voting members: oaccept or reject changes to Constitution and By-laws oaccept or reject changes to Breeders List Program Nancy then reviewed the changes to the Constitution and By-Laws and the Breeders list. Sandy explained the revisions to the Breeders list and the reasons for these changes. The membership discussed the changes, with some suggesting wording changes and others suggesting to table the matter, It was agreed that a vote on the changes as is should be made without amendment. The members then voted on the two items. Nancy reported the results: By laws were APPROVED 25 yes, 0 no. Breeders list revision was rejected by a vote of 15 no and 12 yes This matter will go back to the Board for further discussion, The meeting adjourned at 6:11 p.m. and the party began!! Respectfully submitted Marian Tillman, Recording Secretary EGRC page 6

7 Evergreen Golden Retriever Club February Board Meeting Minutes January 10, 6:30 home of Deb Pampiks Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m. by Nancy Light, President. Present: Nancy, Deb, Claudia, Linda, Ane, Marian Absent: Shari, Sandy Approval of minutes from last Board meeting. There was no December board meeting. The minutes of the November 2017 board meeting were approved as printed in the November Golden West. Report of the President (Nancy) Topics for the meeting include: Appointment of a GRCA delegate Breeders List Standing Rules Report of Corresponding Secretary: (Sandy) Ane reported that Sandy will send to AKC Club Relations via two copies of the amended by-laws, one with the changes shown, the other a clean copy; the date of the approval, the vote tally. Report of Treasurer: (Linda) Bank Balances as of Dec 31, 2017 will be available on the members only section of the website. Argus increased their price for storage by 11%. Was $800 per year, now $900 per year ($450 per stall). MOTION by Nancy to pay the $900 bill to Argus. APPROVED Received thank you from Rescue for our $250 donation, GRCA dues for 2018 have been paid $100 Preliminary net income for 2017 approx $1700. Merchandise donated to EGRC by Lori Langston brought in $ Reports of Committees: A. Events: 1. Agility: (Ane) June 15-17, Aug 31, Sept 1,2, 2018 Lori will complete paperwork, to Ane and get a check and send to AKC. $300 for June and $300 for Aug. Lori still needs to get the contract with Argus finalized. 2. Specialty: (Shari) August 17, (Deb reported) The Board felt that Sheila and her committee were free to use any theme they felt suitable. The 2018 Specialty will be dedicated to the memory of Wayne Miller. MOTION: To add the following as standing rule VII.G. In the event of the passing of a current Club member of EGRC, the Club will donate $100 to a dog-related charity of the family s choice. The next Specialty will be dedicated to that person. APPROVED MOTION: To donate $100 in the name of Wayne Miller to the dog related charity of the family s choice. APPROVED MOTION: To dedicate the 2018 Specialty in the name of Wayne Miller. APPROVED. page 7

8 3. Judges Selection Committee: 2019 (Deb) MOTION: To appoint Kathy Fisk, Deb Pampiks and Claudia Shaw to be on the committee to choose judges for 2019 Specialty. Deb will Chair. APPROVED. Committee will be having discussions on ways to coordinate judges for 2019 with OKC and to limit costs by sharing, if possible, judges expenses, 4. Hunt Test: (Linda) June 30, July 1, 2018 Birds coming in from Montana 257 birds sold to area field trainers to reduce the transportation costs of the birds. Land is secured 5. Tracking: (Sandy) TD/TDX No report 6. WC/WCX: (Linda) No report 7. Holiday Party: (Deb) December 1, 2018 Deposit for 2018 was made. 8. Seattle Kennel Club Booth: (Sandy) March 10-11, Sandy Scudder and Gloria Kaczmarski chairs. Money sent to SKC for a booth. Board decided not to do a supported entry in exchange for a reduction on the booth price. 9. Health Clinic: (Sandy) No Report B. Finances: 1. Budget Committee change the appointment of this Committee from November to January and announce it in the next Golden West. MOTION: Change Standing Rule III, C. 1, to read: In January of each year, the Board shall appoint a Budget Committee to consist of the incoming and outgoing Treasurer and two (2) other members and shall be announced in the next Golden West. APPROVED MOTION: To appoint Linda Johnson, Carla Jurczyk and Alice Brown as Budget Committee members. AP- PROVED. 2. Donation Committee Board suggested change in Standing Rules as follows: Page 3 item G, change In February of each year to by March of each year Change last sentence to read: They shall submit a recommendation to the Board by the April Board meeting to be announced in the Golden West for final approval at the next General Membership meeting. MOTION: Change Standing Rule III, G. to read: Any donations over $100 must have approval of the General Membership. By March of each year if funds are available for donations, the Board shall appoint a charitable donations committee. The committee shall consist of three (3) members, no more than one (1) of whom shall be a Board member. They shall submit a recommendation to the Board April to be announced in the Golden West for final approval at the next General Membership meeting. APPROVED page 8

9 C. Club Affairs: 1. Membership Marian Tillman will contact Bev Gettling for the information on current membership roster; remind her to get the checks into Linda and to track EGRR donations. 3. Golden West: (Ane) Planning on publishing around the 16th of January. 4. Website: (Shari) no report 5. Puppy referral: (Claudia) no report 6. Rescue: (Marian) no report 7. General Meetings: January and February - no meeting March 3 awards banquet April 26 possibly have a dog dentist 8. Awards: (Claudia) 9 people applied for bars or perpetuals 9. Awards Banquet (Deb) (March 3, 2018) Location will be the same as previously Azteca Bellevue 10. CCA: (Claudia) Board decided not to have a CCA this year 11. Sunshine committee: (Nancy) Card sent to Paul Johnson for surgery. Card to Ken Matthews for Wayne Miller s passing. 12. Nominating Committee: (Ane) no report Unfinished business: A. Standing Rules changes - Board intends to appoint a committee to review the Standing Rules for updates that have been made since last printed and to make recommendations for any needed changes. New business: A. Breeders list Current guidelines remain in effect for now Board hopes to appoint a new Breeders List Guideline Committee in the next few months Ane will put an announcement in the GW asking for any member who wishes to be on the committee to contact a board member by March 1st. B. GRCA Delegate. Julie Matney has agreed to do this job. Sandy will contact GRCA and advise that Julie will be taking over for Bev Brown. MOTION: To appoint Julie Matney as Club GRCA delegate. APPROVED The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marian Tillman, Recording Secretary EGRC page 9

10 Boardmembers: Nancy Light, President Deb Pampiks, Vice President Marian Tillman, Recording Sec Linda Johson, Treasurer Sandy Scudder, Corresponding Sec Shari Phillips Claudia Shaw Ane Brusendorff =8029 Committee Chair Persons: Programs VACANT Newsletter Ed Ane Brusendorff Puppy Referral Stacia White Public Education VACANT Golden Rescue Nancy Kiesler Historian VACANT Health Clinic BJ Mosen Hospitality VACANT Nominating Com Susan Babich Frank Pampiks BJ Mosen Photographer VACANT Property Marcia MacDonald Membership Bev Gettling Sunshine Suzy Miller GRCA Column Amy Raby GRCA Delegate Julie Matney Web Master Bobbi Miller Budget Comm. Judges Selection Hach Hachtel Special Events: 2018 Agility Ane Brusendorff Hunt Test Linda Johnson Specialty Sheila Iturriaga Colyer Awards Lynn Anderson Kathy Fisk Suzy Miller Tracking Golden Retriever Club of America Contacts: Claire Caro, Secretary Jolene Cary, (Admin. Asst) P.O. Box 20434, Oklahoma City, OK The Objectives of the Evergreen Golden Retriever Club: a) To preserve the structure, soundness, temperament, natural abilities and personality of the Golden Retriever as described in the breed standard and to do all possible to bring their natural abilities and qualities to perfection. b) To urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by the AKC as the only standard of excellence by which the Golden Retriever shall be judged. c) To protect and advance the interest of the breed by encouraging sportsmanlike conduct at dog shows, field events, obedience trials and all functions and events where EGRC is being represented. d) To conduct sanctioned matches and specialty shows, field events, obedience trials and tracking under the rules of AKC and e) To educate members and the public in all aspects of owning a Golden Retriever. General Information: General Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Check the calendar on the web site at The Board of Directors meets each month on varying schedule and members wishing to attend must call the President to state their business. Application for Membership: Prospective members must attend two meetings or functions before application of intent to join is accepted. Application forms may be obtained from Board members, the Membership Chair, or from the web site. Change of Address. If you have moved, changed your phone number or your address, please or call Bev Gettling, (425) / gettling@msn.com, with this change. This is the only way we will be able to keep our membership rosters up to date. page 10