Volume E4 April 2011 Upcoming Events Giant Schnauzer Club of America Newsletter May 13, 2011 May 13, 2011 June 18-19, 2011 Western Regional Specialty Yolo County Fairgrounds Woodland, CA Golden State Giant Schnauzer Club Sanctioned Confirmation B Match Yolo County Fairgrounds Woodland, CA Herding Test, Trial, and Fun Day Brigand s Hideout Battleground, WA June 25, 2011 Sept. 2-5, 2011 Eastern Regional Specialty Greene County Fairgrounds Waynesburg, PA Southern Region Supported Entries Monroe Civic Center Monroe, LA October 3-9, 2011 October 7, 2011 July 5-8, 2012 Upcoming Events (continued) 2011 GSCA National Specialty Purina Farms St. Louis, MO 2011 GSCA General Membership Meeting (tentative) Purina Farms St. Louis, MO 2012 GSCA National Specialty Texas Kennel Club Cluster Dallas, Texas Message From the President All Progress is Incremental! All Progress is Incremental! This is a truism used by sales managers and dog trainers (among others) everywhere. Think about that puppy class when you quickly rewarded the dog as its butt touched the floor for a first-time sit. As time progressed, the rewards came with longer sits, then downs and then stay. Remember how pleased both you and your puppy were with that simple learned response? That s how I felt after the last GSCA Board of Director s meeting and the first meeting of the constitutional review committee. In the two months since the new board assumed office quite a lot (albeit incremental) has been achieved. A couple of member disputes have been resolved, the National Specialties in 2011, 2012 and 2013 are progressing, as well as, two western regional specialties, an eastern regional and a Giants Only Herding Test, Trial and Fun Day. There is still plenty to do and unfortunately, a great deal of the heavy lifting is still
Wishing you and your Giant family a Happy Easter. Message From the President (continued) being done by a small group of members, especially with the regional specialties. Ginny Maese or Darryl Anderson or Maryann Bisceglia or Greg Reyna or Bridgette Tuerler are a few of the many who have stepped up and chaired a successful event, recently or in the near future. There s always room for more! So remember, when you re unsure how much (or if any) progress is being made on positioning the GSCA to continue being a good steward for the breed into the next 50 years, you can rest assured that it is. You can also be assured that it would be happening quicker with your help. Call me, I ve got a job for you to do. Doug Hill President, Giant Schnauzer Club of America Celebrating 50 years in 2012 Message From the Board In the last newsletter, the commentary of the constitutional vote procedure contained this statement: "The ballots were returned to the accounting firm Cadick & Williams and not the secretary as required in the constitution. There is no reference to why this was done in the minutes,.." The following statement should have been included: Though not voted on, the board had decided and/or concurred to send the ballots to Cadick & Williams for tabulation. Spring is beginning to show signs of arrival, and with that comes the start of the 2011 GSCA show season. The first Specialty was held in Arizona at the beginning of April. A huge debt of gratitude goes out to Ginny Maese, Kim Demchak, John Taglorino, Chris Lietzau, judges Karen Child and Lin Jensen, and all the volunteers for making the event a giant success. Look for the results in this newsletter. Coming up next month, there will be a second Western Specialty in California. There is still time to get your entries and donations in. Details for this event can be found in this newsletter as well as the GSCA website. In June, the Western Region will host the first Giant Schnauzer only AKC Herding Trial/Test in Battle Ground, page 2
Message From the Board (continued) Washington. This event features two days of Herding Trials and Tests, a Herding Instinct test, Obedience, Agility and Carting demonstrations, a Giant Schnauzer Fun Day, and much more. For a copy of the premium list, please contact Bridgette Tuerler at bridgettevcd@msn.com. Do you enjoy interacting with people? Love educating and sharing information about our Breed? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then we would like to hear from you. The Public Education committee chair is open and needs someone to fill this role. Please contact a member of the board if you are interested or to obtain more information. Reminder, when you re heading out to one of the GSCA upcoming events and need a place to stay, the AKC and Motel 6 have teamed up to provide pet friendly accommodations for you and your critters at a 10% discount. Just mention the code when making your reservation. Giant Schnauzer Club of America Officers and Committees President Doug Hill Giant Steps Editor Robin Greenslade Vice President Kim Demchak Giant Store Karen Child Treasurer Howard Postovit Health/Heredity Carie May-Bowers Secretary Lori Clark Information Center Marianne Mazzenga Eastern Region Director Maryann Bisceglia Judges Education Steve Fox Southern Region Director Greg Reyna Judges Selection Vicki Kallett & Cindy Wallace Midwest Region Director Mike Rutkas Membership Bill Combs Western Region Director Joanne Thompson Newsletter Lori Clark Past President Bernie Tuerler Agility Points Tabulation Sherri Hurm Adoption & Rescue Joanne Thompson Breed Points Tabulation Marina Raukhverger AKC Delegate Robin Greenslade Obedience Pts Tabulation Bonnie Postovit AKC Legislative Liaison Robert K. Darden II Rally/Tracking/Herding Marjana Callery Points Tabulation AKC Gazette Columnist Greg Reyna Performance Events Laura Feldt Archives Peggy Gumm Public Education Vacant Awards/Trophies Linda Hurst Temperament Testing Cricket Zink Breed Education Olga Gagne Webmaster Aaron DeVandry Breeders Education Maryann Bisceglia Ways & Means Karen Child Congratulatory Marnie Lowe page 3
Member Profile Name & Location Steve Rinne, Illinois Your Giants Name Bubba Occupation Research Specialist/Low Vision Therapist How long have you been a GSCA member? 2 Years How did you get into Giants? I first noticed their stunning good looks at a dog show and then did a lot of investigation to see if they had the personality, temperament and intelligence that I was looking for in a dog. Obviously the breed met the qualifications. Do you have other pets in addition to Giants? No What do you do with your Giants? In 2009, Bubba was in the GSCA Top 10 Agility (would have been in the Top 10 in 2008 if I had become a member soon enough). He loves the sport. We also take walks in forest preserves, do obedience and tricks (he loves to practice treats don t hurt), and play. Do you have other hobbies besides dogs? Playing pool, going out to dinner, underwater photography and learning. What is your dog(s) favorite treat and/or toy? His favorite toys are the A frame and tunnel agility equipment. His favorite treat is Natural Balance lamb/lamb Pet Botanics rolled meat dog food. page 4
Member Profile (continued) What was the last dog-related thing you read? How Dogs Think by Stanley Coren (I highly recommend this book) What is the best advice anyone ever gave you about Giants? Act like an alpha! Anything else you'd like to add. I have had other breeds of dogs and I like Giants the best. Also, the dog has greatly enriched my life. If there is a club member that you would like to see featured in the Member Profile column, please send their name and contact information to Lori Clark. CALLING ALL NOMINATIONS ~ RECOGNIZE YOUR FELLOW CLUB MEMBERS!! While 2010 is still fresh in everyone's mind please take a few minutes and consider making a nomination for the following awards. Though everyone probably knows what the nominee has done, include a narrative supporting the nomination. The narrative will be published in the National editions of Steps. Please send all nominations by the beginning of June to the GSCA Secretary, Lori Clark, loriclark612@gmail.com or 15465 NW. Perimeter Drive, Beaverton, OR 97006. OUTSTANDING GIANT SCHNAUZER AWARD Presented to the individual Giant Schnauzer who through it s outstanding conformation and intelligence has accomplished a feat that is first for the breed, or an outstanding achievement, which has brought recognition and honor to the breed. This award is determined by membership nomination followed by Board approval. This is not a mandatory yearly reward. LADY FERGIE AWARD Presented to the individual Giant Schnauzer whose actions and outstanding achievement in public and/or community service has brought recognition and honor to the breed. This award is determined by membership nomination followed by Board approval. This is not a mandatory yearly reward. THE PRINZ WILHELM (WILLIE AWARD) Presented to the GSCA member who shall have done the most to further the principles of obedience training and good sportsmanship. This award is determined by membership nomination followed by Board approval. This is not a mandatory yearly award. DEDICATED SERVICE AWARD Presented to up to 3 GSCA members who have made substantial or extraordinary effort to further the best interests of the Club and our breed. This award is determined by membership or Board nomination followed by Board approval. This is not a mandatory yearly award. AKC SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD - Kathie Anderson Sportsmanship Award In the American Kennel Club s ongoing efforts to recognize and celebrate its volunteer club members, The AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award program was established in 2006 to provide each member club with an AKC Medallion to award to one of its own on a yearly basis. This award honors those individuals who deserve special recognition that have made a difference in the sport of purebred dogs, embodied the AKC Code of Sportsmanship, and have been an active and valued member of an AKC member club. Medallions are awarded solely at the club s discretion. GSCA has, in the past, determined the recipient by membership nomination followed by Board approval. page 5
A story about a magnificent Giant Schnauzer, Little Nell, who lives with us and has trained us well ~ by Anita and Jim Lewis In September 2001, we brought home our beautiful puppy. We named her Little Nell, after Nellie Trent, the heroine in Charles Dickens Old Curiosity Shop and she has lived up to her namesake, pure of heart and spirit, time and time again, for nearly ten years. AM INTL CH Skansen s Zephyr v Pasha TD TT, Little Nell, lives with us on 160 acres on a mountain in the Napa Valley. She finished her AKC and IABC championships before she was two, and her TD and TT a couple of years later. I have so many stories and so many photos of her adventures, her ranch jobs, and her dog friends. She is fearless and proud and so smart and responsive. She is a hunter extraordinaire lizards, bats, snakes, rabbits, deer watch out. Bobcats and coyotes stay away from this house. She is good with other dogs and for the past year has had to share her space with a Great Pyrenees who was one of our goat dogs and has come to live in the house with her but that s a whole different chapter, Little Nell and the goats and dogs. The most outstanding story is the most recent. My 93 year old mother had a stroke in November 2010 and came to live with us in December. She was very fragile and needed our help. Fortunately, four months later, she is much improved. Life changed for Little Nell when Mother arrived. She had a new family member to protect and to care for and it has been amazing to see. For the first couple of months, she led Mother down the hall to the bathroom and waited outside the door for her and escorted her back to her chair in the living room, all day. She didn t want attention from Mother. She was taking care of her. She checks on Mother every morning on her way to breakfast but she doesn t wake her. When Mother goes outside, Little Nell is with her. She lies at her side and walks around the patio area with her, always placing herself between my mother and the swimming pool. When hawks or vultures fly over, she barks and chases them away. She learned this behavior from the Great Pyrenees dogs that protect newborn goats from being killed by hawks. There are more examples but I think you who live with Giant Schnauzers can appreciate this story. Little Nell is special. No one asked her to do anything for my mother or taught her to walk by her side and wait at the door for her or look in on her every day. She is beautiful inside and out and we are so proud of her. I am happy and grateful to share her story. page 6
Western Regional Specialty Show Results ~ April 7, 2011 ~ Best of Breed Ch Ingebars Siasconset Rose Owner: Mike Reese & Maryann Bisceglia Best of Winners Momentumm Stars and Bright Lights Owner: Christine Lietzau Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed Cadbury s High on Zander Mountain Owner: Melisa Davis Select Bitch GCh Spicerack She s All That Owner: Mike Reese & Maryann Bisceglia Best in Puppy Sweepstakes Momentumm Stars and Bright Lights Owner: Christine Lietzau Best in Opposite Sex to Best in Puppy Sweepstakes Cadbury s High on Zander Mountain Owner: Melisa Davis Best in Veteran Sweepstakes Ch Western Treasure Owner: Kim Demchak & Susan Butz The Kachina pictured with the BOB is called the Ascending Eagle Kachina. He was used for two reasons. First, the specialty was part of the Kachina Kennel Club cluster. Secondly, because the Ascending Eagle Kachina in Native American legend represents strength and protection (like our Giants). He also carries messages to the heavens. page 7
Why not welcome spring with some old fashioned western hospitality? Come join us for a May Day at the Western Regional in California! Join us at the Yolo County Fairgrounds on Friday May 13th and stay the weekend for two supported entries at this beautiful venue. There will be an AKC sanctioned B Match on Friday. It s going to be a busy Friday ~ be sure to attend the Pancake breakfast, Taco bar lunch and the Spaghetti Feed. Donations gladly accepted. Continental breakfast will be offered on Saturday and Sunday as well. Live auction Friday after the feed! Western Regional Specialty ~ May 13, 2011, Woodland, CA Entries close Wednesday, April 20, 2011 Superintendent: (SHOW SECRETARY): Judy Wilson 211 Wainwright Court Sacramento, CA 95838-2941 Email: judywilson-ss@sbcglobal.net Camellia Capital Show Superintendent: MB-F Inc. Your support for this special is greatly appreciated; please send your donations to: Terry Parker 2376 Woodhouse Mine Road West Point, CA 95255 209.293.2339 The GSCA will be having a supported entry on Saturday and Sunday the 14 th and 15 th of May at the Camellia Capitol Kennel Club shows. We will give a gift basket for BOB, BOS and BOW. Judges will be Anitra Cunio on Saturday and Arly Hussin on Sunday. The Giant Schnauzer Club of America Supported Entry Shows are set for 9/2-9/5/2011 as part of the Cotton Land Cluster in Monroe, LA. The event is held each Labor Day at the Monroe Civic Center. There are 4 All Breed Shows (Bayou & Vicksburg Kennel Clubs) and 24 Specialty/Supported Entries over the four days. In addition, the cluster will host the Southern Handlers Charity League 11th Annual Charity Match. The Giant Schnauzer judges for the Cluster are approved and are as follows: Friday - John Connolly, Saturday - Charles Trotter, Sunday - Mrs. Houston Clark and Monday - Houston Clark. NEW MEMBER APPLICANTS Lorraine Cannon 796 Magnolia Road Southampton, NJ lcannon894@aol.com Debbie Coffin 1987 E Chestnut Ave Vineland, NJ gothedistance1@netzero.net Bernard Kuczek 109 Scotch Bush Road Burnt Hills, NY bkuczed@nycap.rr.com Ron Storlie 10960 Redwood Street Davenport, IA snauzermutt@mchsi.com Sponsors: Barbara Belzer & Rebecca Letson Sponsors: Rebecca Letson, Barbara Belzer & Maripat Luntz Sponsors: Doug Hill & Luke Norton Sponsors: Mike Rutkas & Craig Axel page 8
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Telephonic Board Meeting Minutes ~ March 8, 2011 Board Members Present: Doug Hill, Kim Demchak, Howard Postovit, Maryann Bisceglia, Mike Rutkas, Joanne Thompson, Lori Clark, Bernie Tuerler. Absent: Greg Reyna Call to Order: 8:34pm EST Approval of Minutes: Bernie made a motion to approve the February 8, 2011 board meeting meetings. Kim seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Report from the Secretary: Lori read the board email votes, which took place on the following dates: 1. February 22, 2011: Lori made a motion via email to hold the Eastern Regional Specialty on June 25, 2011, and supported entries on June 24 th and 26 th in conjunction with the South Hills Kennel Club show, in Waynesburg, PA. Bernie seconded. Email vote: Maryann yes; Kim yes; Mike yes; Doug yes; Joanne yes; Bernie yes; Howard yes; Greg yes; Lori yes. Motion passed unanimously. Report from the Treasurer: Becoming Treasurer has been an interesting experience. What started out to be a simple matter of establishing checking and savings accounts with a national bank, Wells-Fargo, here in La Grande, Oregon turned into a rather complicated matter because we had to demonstrate that we were in compliance with the Patriot Act. That entailed getting documentation from the State of Michigan where the GSCA incorporated and sending that official information to the Oregon Secretary of State so the GSCA could be registered as a foreign non-profit corporation doing business in Oregon. Really not too complicated except that I could not do any of the acquiring of docs or registration through the internet and had to do it via snail mail. Hence, getting accounts finalized has been a bit convoluted. But the good news is that we are now up and running. Even though we were going through gyrations with Wells-Fargo, I am listing accounts with them and the balances are the cashier's checks they had sent me when they closed accounts that had originally been set up in January. Account Balance (as of 2.28.11) Wells-Fargo checking (La Grande-operating account) $19,189.57 Wells-Fargo savings (La Grande) $100.01 The following are accounts in Plano, Texas that were closed in February but for which I had cashiers checks waiting to be deposited with Wells-Fargo when the accounts were reopened: Bank of America checking (operating) $1,201.58 Bank of America savings (operating) $50,931.02 Bank of America saving (Doris Redmann) $10,204.07 The following are accounts in Plano, Texas that were still open at the end of February, and which will be closed once Wells- Fargo accounts are established in La Grande, Oregon: Chase Checking (old operating) $7,658.44 Bank of America checking (for PayPal transfers) $2,684.83 The following is the balance of an account GSCA has set up with Pay Pal for purchases from our web site: $211.19 As of the end of February, I also had a check for $142.93 from a PayPal account that had been set up by Kathie Anderson and was closed out in February. I will deposit it when Wells-Fargo accounts are up and running in La Grande, Oregon. BALANCE OF THE ABOVE ACCOUNTS: $92,323.64 page 10
Telephonic Board Meeting Minutes ~ March 8, 2011 (continued) The following are two accounts that have been opened for 2011 specialties: 2011 National and Midwest (Sheila Lietz treasurer): $1,500 2011 Western (AZ) Specialty (Kim or Ginny, treasurer): $500 The above are estimated balances based on the amount GSCA forwarded to start the accounts. Also, I am waiting on a report from Sheila Lietz regarding the final accounting for the 2010 National and Midwest Specialties. There is an account that was set up for those that needs to be closed and the funds transferred back to GSCA. MFS Stock fund balance as of 12.31.10: $8,857.50 This stock was donated by Ken Bonine in Fall 2009. Mr. Bonine had thought the donation was going to rescue and has asked us to sell the stock and disburse the proceeds to rescue. I am working on that. ESTIMATE BALANCES OF SPECIALTY AND STOCK ACCOUNTS: $10,857,50 TOTAL OF CHECKING, SAVINGS, SPECIALTY, AND STOCK ACCOUNTS: $103,181.14 Also, the GSCA apparently has a CD with Chase in Michigan where we are incorporated. I saw a balance as of the end of 2009 for $5,843.46, but I still need to track down that account. Report from the Committees: None Old Business: None Unfinished Business: MFS Stock Fund Robin Greenslade and Laurie Mason have expressed interest in being administrators of a 501 3(c) non-profit that could be used to fund rescue efforts and other programs that are for the benefit of giants such as spay/neuter vouchers, educational information, etc. Doug will contact Robin Greenslade and Maryann will contact Laurie Mason. Howard and Doug will call Mr. Bonnie to discuss the idea of using the proceeds from the MFS Stock Fund as seed money to establish the 501 3(c). Judges Selection Committee Maryann spoke to Vicki Kallett and Cindy Wallace and they would like to co-chair the committee. Maryann will ask Sandi Anderson to contact the judges to make sure they are still available. Once they have confirmation from the judges, the committee will then send out the ballots and nominations form to the membership. Maryann made a motion to appoint Vicki Kallett and Cindy Wallace to the Judges Selection Committee. Kim seconded. Motion passed unanimously. AKC Delegate Compensation Howard will create an expenses spreadsheet to send to the board. The board will make edits and recommendations to the spreadsheet, then we will discuss at the next board meeting. 2011 National Specialty The glitch with the building and the Bouvier club has been resolved, and we will be indoors. Laura Feldt and Tarja Ahlgren have Obedience and Rally set. Bernie found a company called CAPER, LLC, who provides Show Secretary services. They handle all the details for a $4/dog fee ($3/same dog, additional entries), including 50 mailed premium lists. Bernie will email her contract to the board to review. Proposed closing date for all AKC sanctioned events is September 14, 2011. An informal dinner at Purina Farms is being considered for Friday evening after the general meeting. 2013 National Specialty Maryann will spearhead, but we need a Show Chairman. She will reach out to an artist in Canada to see if she would like to design a logo for t-shirts, featuring all three Schnauzers. 2014 National Specialty Maryann suggested having the 2014 National and Eastern Regional Specialties in Carlisle, PA the 3 rd weekend in October. page 11
2011 Western Regional Specialty in Arizona Joanne will send out an email to the Western members requesting donations. Lori will also mention it in the March newsletter. 2011 Western Regional Specialty in California Sounds like plans are moving along smoothly. Telephonic Board Meeting Minutes ~ March 8, 2011 (continued) GSCA Herding Specialty & Fun Day Planning is well under way. Members have expressed interest in attending. Eastern Regional Specialty The Eastern Regional Specialty will be June 25, 2011 in Waynesburg, PA in conjunction with the South Hills Kennel Club. The judge will be selected from the panel (either Sheila or Tony DiNardo). South Hills Kennel Club is going to provide us with an area and tenting at no cost. Electricity is also available (ideal set up for motor homes). Maryann Bisceglia will be Show Chairman, Sandi Anderson Hospitality, and Ralph Anderson Treasurer. There will also be supported entries on Friday, June 24th and Sunday, June 26th. Election of New Members: Lauri Jenkins, Newark, DE; Sponsors Laura Feldt & Kelli Verrelli Doug made a motion to approve the above Lauri Jenkins as a new member. Maryann seconded. Motion passed unanimously. New Business: Non-renewed members Regional Directors will reach out to the members in their respective region. Constitutional Review Committee Doug made a motion to appoint the members that he submitted for the Constitutional Review Committee - Mary Falls (WI) Midwest, Linda Hurst (TN) Southern, Cricket Zink (OH) Midwest, Deborah Gerber (OH) Midwest, Bess Stanger (OH) Midwest, Eric Davenport (WA) Western, and Doug Hill, Chairman (NY) East. Bernie seconded the motion. Doug yes, Bernie yes, Howard yes, Kim yes, Lori yes, Mike no, Maryann no, Joanne no. Motion passed. 2010 Awards The 2010 Awards will be published in the next newsletter. A notice will also go in the next newsletter calling for nominations for the 2010 Nominated Awards. AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship/Kathie Anderson Award The AKC sent an email to Doug inquiring as to whether the GSCA wants to participate in the AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship/Kathie Anderson Award. Doug will have the award sent to him. It will then be awarded in accordance with the GSCA nominated awards procedure. Breeders Referral Process Maryann made a motion that we no longer accept breeder referrals until such time as we update the Breeder Referral process. Mike seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Adjournment: Maryann made a motion to adjourn. Howard seconded. Motion passed and meeting adjourned at 11:47pm EST. Respectfully submitted, Lori Clark page 12
Photo acknowledgements: Bubba, image petphotos.com (cover page, top center) Little Nell, AM INTL CH Skansen s Zephyr v Pasha TD TT, photo by Anita Lewis (cover page, middle left) Fritz Histyle s On the Fritz & Frankie (P/S) Skanen s Frankly My Dear, photo by Peggy Gumm (page 2) Giant Schnauzer Club of America, Inc. is a Member Club Bubba, image petphotos.com (page 4) Little Nell, AM INTL CH Skansen s Zephyr v Pasha TD TT, photos by Anita Lewis (page 6) Ch Ingebars Siasconset Rose, Kappy Zahn, and awards photos by Kim Demchak (clockwise from top, page 7) Sasha, photo by Bernie & Bridgette Tuerler (this page) Photos are always welcome! Please send them to Lori Clark. Giant Schnauzer Club of America, Inc. Lori Clark, GSCA Secretary 15465 NW Perimeter Drive Beaverton, OR 97006