The Barker October, 2010 NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTHERN COLORADO KENNEL CLUB From The President s Pen As I pen this, I realize that our annual shows are just a little over a month away! We are on course and I believe this will be, again, a great weekend for SCKC. I would like to thank all involved for the attitude of teamwork that everyone is exhibiting as all the final prep work comes together. Please, if you haven t volunteered yet, make sure to do that at our October meeting, the sign-up sheets will be out. There are several areas that still require helpers: ring stewards; grounds; tape off grooming; Grooming building attendant; B-Match. The Grand Opening Celebration has been scheduled for Saturday, January 15, 2011. Setting it then allows time for us to finish the painting, have our awning installed and spruce up the place a little so the training center will shine for all who attend. Paint and workdays will be scheduled and published soon. (continued on page 2) SCKC Officers President: Renee Wolfe 251-4352 rlchessie@comcast.net Vice President: Crystal Messersmith 671-8715 crystalam1@yahoo.com Secretary: Millie Goodman 544-0184 millipt@msn.com Treasurer: Flo Andrews 947-3630 floffice@aculink.net SCKC Board Members Joan Jordan: 948-0107 joan1jordan@hotmail.com Pat Hill: 547-3224 pjhbreeze@msn.com Will Hughes: 250-4176 lcado97@hotmail.com Connie Smalley: 719-738-1958 csmalley@usa.net Lee Arnold AKC Delegate SCKC Web Site www.southerncoloradokennelclub.org SCKC Schedule October 5, 2010 Board Meeting, 6:30 pm October 19, 2010 General Membership Meeting, SCKC Training Center, 715 N. Grand Ave., 7pm November 2, 2010 Board Meeting, 6:30 pm November 13, 14, 2010 SCKC Show(s), Colorado State Fairgrounds (sign up to help at September General Membership Meeting) November 16, 2010 General Membership Meeting, SCKC Training Center, 715 N. Grand Ave., 7pm December 7, 2010 Board Meeting, 6:30 pm
The President s Pen, continued from page 1 The following is taken directly from the AKC: AKC MISSION STATEMENT The American Kennel Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and wellbeing, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership. AKC s Objective: Advance the study, breeding, exhibiting, running, and maintenance of purebred dogs. AKC s Core Values: * We love purebred dogs * We are committed to advancing the sport of the purebred dog * We are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of our Registry * We protect the health and well-being of all dogs * We cherish dogs as companions * We are committed to the interests of dog owners * We uphold high standards for the administration and operation of the AKC * We recognize the critical importance of our clubs and volunteers As President, I think that we need to review from time to time exactly who we are, lest we forget. As an AKC Member Club, the SCKC must align itself with the AKC s mission, as well as our own, and we must guard the integrity and purpose of our club. That is why the Board of Directors has decided to review the membership process to see where we are and where we should be to protect this club. Club membership is a privilege and should be taken seriously and we, as a club, must also take seriously each application for membership. A committee will be formed to review and advise. As a member, I would encourage you to take some time to review our Bylaws and Standing Rules as well as the AKC s. Do you stand in agreement? Humbly, your servant, Renee Wolfe AKC Announces Breeder of Merit Program The American Kennel Club announced October 4, 2010 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 the recognized. 2
To achieve the Breeder of Merit designation, breeders should: * Certify that applicable health screens are performed on the sire and dam as recommended by the Parent Club * Hold membership in an AKC club * Have a history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events * Earn Conformation, Companion, and/or Performance titles on at least 4 dogs they have bred/cobred * Demonstrate their commitment to ensuring 100% of the puppies they produce are AKC registered As part of the Breeder of Merit program, breeders will receive: * Complimentary access to $20.00 value per month for free online reports in the AKC online store * Access to the AKC Direct toll free number * Online Record support to ensure their records are accurate, complete and easily accessible * A frameable certificate of distinction * 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 web banner for display on their website * Breeder of Merit lapel pin * Breeder of Merit designation and gold border on registration applications and certifications 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 ww.akc.org/sixeasyways. To learn more or apply for the Breeder of Merit program, visit www.akc.org/breederofmerit or contact Tina Yuhl at 919-816-3932 or txy@akc.org. Book Review By Diana Werner Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search-and Rescue Dog by Susannah Charleson. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2010. $26.00; available at the Pueblo public library. What a fascinating book! It tells the story of the training and certification of Puzzle, a search-and-rescue dog. Inspired by the work of rescue dogs in the Oklahoma City bombing, author Charleson guides us along her complete path. From choosing a dog (a pale Golden for dedication, trainability, and friendly appearance that would not frighten small children or confused Alzheimer s patients) to the tension of three different certification tests (not that we ever think Puzzle will fail!) we learn all about the long training, grueling searches, and finally the rewards of being a successful search-and-rescue team. This one was GREAT!!! 3
F Y I The 10 th annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championships will be broadcast for the first time ever on network television. The show will air on ABC television network on Sunday afternoon, January 23, 2011. Thousands of top dogs from around the world will compete on December 4 th and 5 th, 2010 for $225,000 in prize money and the chance to be named the National Champion, one of the biggest honors in the dog world. Brags!!! DeeAnn Ying s Pointer, Josh, was Best in Show at the Pointer Nationals. Crystal Messersmith's Yorkie, Ch. Paradise Golden Age Deity was Best of Breed at the Arapahoe Kennel Club show on Sunday. Allen and Donna Campbell s Berner, Ch. Lorien Dell s Threes Company, was Select on Sunday at the Arapahoe Kennel Club show. Diane Preiss and Nancy Russell s Alaskan Malamute, Storm Kloud s Laskan Cowboy, was Best of Breed both Saturday and Sunday at Arapahoe. Renee Wolfe s Chessie, Rocky, went Best of Winners from the puppy class both days at Arapahoe and Renee s Chessie, Katie, finished her Rally Advanced title. Pat Lester s Aussie, Misty, was 1 st in Advanced Rally B at the Arapahoe show on Sunday. Gail Kingrey s Aussie, Tori, got 1 Novice Tunnelers legs and 1 Novice Hoopers leg at a NADAC agility trial in Durango in September. Tori also finished her AKC PT Herding title in Greeley in September. Kelsey Darnell, Kat Walden, and Dee Dunlap all got rally novice titles on their Golden Retrievers at the Golden National in Greeley the end of September. Kelsey Darnell showed her Golden, Sizzle, in the Amateur Owner Handler class and got a 3 rd place. CONGRATULATIONS!! Ainsley Quinn Grace Holloway Born August 7, 2010 Proud parents Todd and Felicity THE CLUB WISHES YOU WELL! 4
Southern Colorado Kennel Club General Membership Meeting July 20, 2010 Members Present: David and Diana Anaya, Ruella Anderson, Flo Andrews, Jodi Berisford, Ginny Carson, Scott and Donna Darnell, Dee Dunlap, Lisa Golob, Milli Goodman, Pat Hill, William Hughes, Gail Kingrey, Carol Kuhns, Pat Lester, Marsha Martin, Crystal Messersmith, Rich and Carol Pheiffer, Marnie Pixley, Katie and Joshua Pope, Diane Preiss, Bob and Nancy Russell, Jennifer Sams, Heather and Ray Smith, Vickie Trumble, Kat Walden, Renee Wolfe. Minutes from last meeting accepted. Correspondence: AKC Delegate meeting minutes from Sept. 14 th received from Lee Arnold; AKC Board limits will remain in place. The AKC Dog Show in January in Long Beach, CO will be televised by ABC TV. Oct 3 rd will be the 3 rd annual Blessing of the Animals in Pueblo West from 2 5 PM. There will also be low cost vaccinations and Renee will set up a booth with SCKC information. Volunteers are welcome to join her. The club received many thank you notes from 4H participants for our donation for prizes at the State Fair Dog Show in Aug. We have also been asked by the local 4H clubs to consider sponsoring an award for their annual Achievement Night. It was discussed and a motion carried to donate $1000 for 4 Leadership Awards. We also received a Thank You from the organizers of Feet n Fur. Committees: Treasurer s report accepted and motion carried to pay all outstanding bills. Training Classes: ongoing with staggered start dates. Discussion regarding SCKC website being updated with current class schedules. There have been some computer communication problems and Will Hughes is working on it. Building: 2 walls have been repainted and look great. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped. We are looking to purchase some inexpensive wall mirrors. If anyone knows where some might be available, please let the club know. Motion carried to go ahead and order a new awning for the Grand side of the building. It will say Southern Colorado Kennel Club. Show: Sign up sheets were made available for members to sign up to assist with different aspects of the show. We need volunteers in every area. There will be another Stewards Training session before the show. Premium List is in the mail. We have signed contracts with the State Fair grounds. Vendors contracts area coming in. WE have available some nice buttons with the ACKC logo on them, cost $2 each. Members can also order SCKC logo clothing if desired. It helps to identify us at the show. New Members: First readings for Rachel Storm, Jessica Storm, Kathy Seley family, Evelyn Wertenberger and Constance Bersticker family, Misty Davis family, and Wendy Corbridge. New Business: We would like to hold an Open House of our training facility before the show in Nov. if possible. Tentative date set for Oct. 16 th. WE plan to have Obedience and Rally demonstrations. We will do more building sprucing up before hand. Jenny Carson, Carol Kuhns, and Joan Jordan agreed to work on getting refreshments, Carol will work on invitations. Fund Raising ideas: Milli Goodman brought up idea of having bandanas with SCKC logo on them for sale and had one bid of costs. Carol Kuhns agreed to get another bid for comparison. Discussion also included having logo t-shirts and/or towels for sale. No decisions were finalized and the membership is encouraged to think of and offer suggestions. Adjourned at 8:40. Respectfully submitted: Milli Goodman, Secretary 5
Southern Colorado Kennel Club Board Meeting October 5, 2010 Members present: Renee Wolfe, Will Hughes, Flo Andrews, Pat Hill, Lisa Golob, Connie Smalley, and Milli Goodman. Called to Order 6:45 PM. Minutes from last Board meeting read and accepted as written. Treasurer s Report: we are about where we were this time last year. Check written for $1000 to State Fair grounds for use during our show next month. We are using the credit card for most club expenses including rent and utilities and it is automatically paid off each month from our checking account. Correspondence: we received 2 bills from the Chieftain and Flo has already taken care of them. We received a request from the newly formed Rocky Mountain Chihuahua Club asking if they can hold a raffle at our show to raise funds. Raffles cannot be held unless the organization has a state license to hold a raffle so we will let them know this is not an option, however we will let them know that they could organize a silent auction if desired. Milli will contact them. Committees: Show: Obedience chairman needs 7 tables and a rack of chairs. Lisa has secured 9 paid advertisements for the Catalog. Food for Judges and workers is arranged. A 4H club will have a concession for food in the grooming building. Scott Darnell volunteered to coordinate the reserved grooming assignments. This is a big job, so THANK YOU. Felicity will schedule another Stewarding refresher course. Tina W is running the Fun Match Friday evening. Building update: Open house has been postponed until Jan. 15 th, 2011. We will continue preparing the building after the show. Dee Dunlap has located a place to order large wall mirrors, a good price including delivery and installation. More details will be needed before we make a decision to purchase. New Business: We will need a replacement for Georgia Hoffmann in her role as The Barker typist/coordinator by this January. Someone with good computer skills is essential. We had a very good showing at the Colorado Springs Obedience match last weekend. We are considering getting a smaller SCKC banner that can travel with members to various shows. DeAnn Ying is going to participate in the Food Network s Best in Show bake off competition. Old Business: we feel that we should readdress our club membership application process, perhaps making it more stringent. We will discuss it further and get some input from our members that are also in National Breed Clubs. Adjourned at 7:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Milli Goodman, Secretary What in the World is your Dog Thinking? Reprinted with permission of AKC Since the earliest recorded history of man, dogs have been closely linked in our lives for their hunting skills, guarding abilities and warmth on a cold night. Many experts say that first, wolves learned to perform tasks and follow rules and they were rewarded with scraps of food. As wolves became more comfortable around people they eventually domesticated themselves and became man s best friend. The social skills that dogs developed over time have resulted in the warm co-existence we enjoy with them in our culture today. But, what exactly goes on in the mind of a dog that contributes to their special connections with us? 6
Dr. Brian Hare, an Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at Duke University s Institute for Brain Sciences, is one scientist on a mission to find the answers. Hare clinically observes dogs to understand how evolution changes cognition. He is attempting to document canine psychology dog thinking that currently does not exist in the field of brain science. Hare recently established the Duke Canine Cognition Center (DCCC), a lab at Duke University, filled with cameras, microphones and a team of researchers. Each day, volunteer owners bring their dogs to this unusual lab where they are tested and evaluated. Hare uses a series of experiments, then records-in great detail- what dogs do when they are given commands and shown gestures. He looks closely at how dogs solve games and problems and how they interact with their owners. Dogs have to learn how to interact with humans in much the same way that small children do, Hare points out. I want to determine if dogs also think about their world and arrive at solutions as small children do. If they don t then how are they different? How do dogs figure out what we want and don t want? How do they interpret what our gestures mean? Before owners bring their dogs to the DCCC, they fill out a questionnaire that records breed characteristics, medical history, behavior, obedience traits, and home life. There are also questions that give owners a chance to express their dog s individuality, such as Does your dog have any special abilities? Does your dog ever do anything that surprises you? Hare and his staff evaluate each questionnaire and then choose experiments that are best suited to each dog. He is hoping to understand more about the effects of domestication on dog cognition, identify breed differences in problem solving skills and also understand the limits of how dogs think. One type of test Hare conducts involves trust. Do dogs trust their owners more than strangers? We d like to think that they do but the assumption has never been tested-until now. Another test example is about what canine affection really means: a kiss from a dog might mean that he loves you or perhaps he is just trying to manipulate you for something he wants. Why analyze dogs and not other animals? In the past, Hare has studies Chimpanzees, Bonobos, and Great Apes. He found that primates aren t really very good at deciphering human cues and concluded that what makes dogs special is their ability to read humans. When you go to the Lemur Center, he shares, the lemurs like you and they ll pay attention to you, but not the way a dog that s obsessed with you does. You can get dogs to do things and see what s going on inside their heads in a way that you can t with other animals. Dogs are all the same species, Hare continues, and they re very closely related genetically, but each breed is very different. Unlike primates, you can see how canine cognition has changed over time because of the variety of breeds. You can understand why dogs are different, why they re similar, and why it is that some dogs can solve problems that other dogs cant. Why hasn t dog cognition been seriously studied before? Hare believes that, until now, many scientists had misconceptions that dogs were totally uninteresting and artificial. Of course, Hare intends to challenge that way of thinking with his findings. He d also like to understand how we might help dogs become more effective companion (and service) animals. One thing is certain thought-in the end, no matter what we discover about how dogs actually think-we will end up caring for them in the same way. We will continue to love our dogs for their loyalty and distinct personalities. We will celebrate them as remarkable thinking animals that have a special place in our homes and in our hearts. For more information, go to www.dukedogs.com 7
Southern Colorado Kennel Club 1114 Topeka Ave. La Junta, CO 81050 Upcoming Events October 30 31 ASCA show, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Castle Rock. Breed (Aussies only) All Breed obedience and Rally, November 12 B Match (Breed only) November 13 14 Southern Colorado Kennel Club AKC show, State Fairgrounds, Pueblo. Breed, Obedience and Rally, Onofrio, Supt. November 12 14 K-9 Nosework seminar, Lakewood. www.zinndogtraining.com November 26 28 AKC Agility, SCAC, Latigo Arena, Black Forest. Hoosierboston@yahoo.com November 27 28 UKC Conformation, Rally, Obedience, Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, Aurora. 303-471-6266 December 11 12 IKC Agility, Working Akita Club of Colorado, Boulder County Fairgrounds, Longmont. wacentry@att.net 8