Daily News for the Showing Fancy

Indisputably! The most current and comprehensive canine news source  Period.
 

Show Dates,
Nationals,
Fun Matches,
Community Service,
Send Club News

Subscribe Here

Current Edition

Scooping the news
that matters to YOU

We have been asked,
in no uncertain terms,

"Who ARE you??"

Quite Simply,
Dog People
Serving Dog People

TDP's Science and Advisory Board

over 500 years
of Veterinary, Medical,
Breeder, Trainer, and
Judging experience

It's not "about us"
The Mission Statement is

Who We Are!

Kennel Club of Great Britain

National Canine Association    

United Kennel Club

Across The Board
Direct From The Major Registries

The American Kennel Club AKC CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Ed: Subject bolded for speed readers

OCTOBER 2005 - Fanciers this month commemorated a rich tradition in the sport of purebred dogs as well as opened their hearts to provide continued relief to those dogs left homeless by the hurricanes affecting the Gulf region. With more than 3,600 entries at the 2005 Morris & Essex Kennel Club dog show, this second revival of the original show hosted by Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge from 1927 to 1957 at Giralda Farms, was a great tribute to the work of a woman many called the dog fancier of the 20th century. While her passion was purebred dogs, she had a special place in her heart for all dogs. She also had a hand in two important milestones for all dogs that took place in 1939. First, the largest single-day entry for a purebred dog show (4,456 entries at M & E) and the other was the incorporation of St. Hubert's Giralda, the foundation that would eventually establish the St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center. Her dream to offer those animals suffering and neglected a safe haven and to then make them available for adoption to responsible owners became a reality when the first homeless dog came to the shelter in 1958. Today, that shelter is housed on the grounds of her former estate in Madison, N.J. St. Hubert's offers animals and people a wide variety of programs that nurture the human-animal bond and foster an environment in which people respect all living creatures. We couldn't agree more with their mission. AKC was proud to help support St. Hubert's with an airlift of Katrina dogs from the gulf region to New Jersey on October 1. With help from the AKC/CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund these dogs will either be reunited with their owners or start a new life, just as Mrs. Dodge envisioned. Many of our fanciers and clubs contributed generously to the AKC/CAR fund. In a way, this synergy between the AKC, the dog fancy, and St. Hubert's, has not only brought her legacy full circle at St. Hubert's but is keeping us true to our slogan, We're more than champion dogs, we're the dog's champion. Sincerely,  Ron Menaker Chairman

More than names of Nominating Committee members, our thanks to Vickie Haywood for the expanded information. 

The Nominating Committee will nominate candidates for vacancies on the Board that are to be filled at the March 2006 meeting. We know you want to know a little more about the Committee Members than simply their names:
Judy A. Hart, Chair, Knoxville, TN, representing Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club Of Am.
Marjorie MacNally Hanson, Coronodo, California, Bedlington Terrier Club of America
Karen R. Spey, Oldwick NJ, Am Pointer Club
Melanie S. Steele, Weddington, NC, Greyhound club of Am
Carol A. Williamson, Houston KC
Alternates: Sue Goldberg Warren NJ, Lewiston Auburn KC
and Peter G. Piusz, Johnstown, NY, Am.  Rottweiler Club

More News and comment on the lack of news:

A new Mission Statement was adopted for the American Kennel Club as follows:

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 well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership. 

AKC has been behind on news and press releases.  We can assume it is due to the pressure of Hurricane Katrina relief.  There are quite a few press releases regarding AKC's efforts in that regard but they don't really offset the dozens of complaints and copies of letters sent to AKC pleading for the promised help.

People are curious about circulating rumors said to reflect discussion in the August Board regarding new rulings which would effectively discourage anyone from speaking out or criticizing AKC, clubs, judges, etc. under pain of punishment and possible suspension.  It sounds like a defensive maneuver designed to slow down the growing and open criticism of AKC generated by its support of PAWS.  In the same vein, a proposal which would allow AKC Reps to show their own dogs has been reported.  It sounds preposterous because if true, exhibitors would be competing against the rep who holds the keys to advancement for the judge officiating that class. 

The AKC website reveals nothing.  The edited Board Minutes are in PDF format and perhaps there is a reason for presenting the actual minutes in PDF as opposed to the Highlights which can be copied and the Chairman's Report which, like the Board Highlights is sent to magazines and our offices.  The only explanation that comes to mind is that AKC would rather deal with false reports emerging from Board Meetings and resulting rumor and speculation than to actually make available the reports to the general public. 

For example: on the matter of criticizing AKC, there is only two sentences, not bolded, buried within the section having to do with Junior Showmanship, which states only there was a discussion concerning making derogatory and/or unsportsmanlike comments regarding AKC events, exhibitors and/or judges in public forums.  I guess that means the press too. 

That sentence followed by one which states simply The Board voted to issue a letter of reprimand to the individual who made the comments. We are left to wonder what inspired this discussion, whether or not the two sentences dropped out of context within the minutes reflect anything specific which already occurred, might occur, or intended to take effect in November, etc.  More questions than answers and I will risk receiving a letter by being critical of the manner in which this was reported because it has allowed negative rumors to run rampant! 

Below are live links to AKC news.  Control-click to open.

AKC Airlifts More than 50 'Katrina Dogs' From Louisiana to New Jersey
Hurricane Relief Updates
AKC Announces Winners of the 2005 CGC^TM Evaluator Awards and Outstanding Program Award  (PDF)
AKC Celebrates Responsible Dog Ownership Day with Support from Officials Across the Country
AKC Announces New Agility Invitational
AKC Offers New Litter Certificate
American Kennel Club Honors Georgia Fancier Gail LaBerge with a Community Achievement Award
American Kennel Club Honors Virginia Fancier Julie Slobodnjak with a Community Achievement Award
AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day Survey Reveals Rift Between Dog and Non-Dog Owners
AKC and AKC/CAR Thank The Kennel Club For Its Generous Donation to Aid Hurricane Victims

 Your comments are welcome.