01|27|09  What's The Truth Behind The Naked Truth Calendar?  That's what people in California are chattering about.  Some thought it was a cool idea and said we owe the judges and handlers a big thank you and lots of support for taking it all off to fight HSUS and PETA. 

But my friend, a California Quail, said he was hearing some funny noises about that calendar.  He decided to flit over to the next dog show and do some eavesdropping.  Being the state bird and all, his flock gets around a lot this time of year so I should know more next week.  Maybe I'll light on your shoulder then. I mean what's the big deal about being naked?  I think it really has to do with money.

She says "the treats were fine but came from China.  Of course the squeaky toys in the gift pack were also far too large for toy breeds."  Laughing, she muses “Maybe they made a mistake with this particular lot, but I think I'll save the balls for the next Delegate meeting and toss them at somebody 'up in front of the room' just to see if they agree with me (after they regain consciousness) about the actual hardness of my newly acquired AKC balls.”

 Well, I’m only a little bird but it sounds like a better idea than tossing shoes at the President.

Discord?  Humans invented the word.  Get more than two of them together and there's going to be a dispute whether it is about how to manage the kids, the budget, or in this case, a dog club.  So what I've learned is that people who love dogs love to squabble more, especially if they belong to Dog Clubs.  Humans are just as social as pack animals that come together for hunting or herd animals that hang together for protection, but instead of uniting for strength, they divide to gain power. 

So it is weird about dog clubs.  Humans get together to work for the dogs but pretty soon, the dogs become less important than butting heads with a rival who wants to lead.  If it were not sad, it would be funny because if you think us birds can put on some colorful displays, you should see humans preen and strut and show off their wing span.

A long long time ago, people who loved Pekingese dogs formed a club.  That was before today's members were even hatched.  Then the people forgot why they got together in the first place and so they split into smaller groups, each of them sure they were the best.  AKC, the biggest club of all, tried to straighten it all out.  From my lofty perspective, AKC should have known better because after a hundred years of internal power struggles, it is almost as disjointed as the clubs it wants to help.

Now we have the same thing starting in another club but this one hardly has its wings dry.  Unable to get off the ground after a serious of roosters failed to control the hens, this one is also in trouble, even getting a reprimand from the AKC!  So far the membership is in the dark, officially that is.  But a dissenting group sent out a petition alleging some pretty serious charges and calling for the resignation of the board.  So now the members are all a-flutter and taking sides but no one seems to know which side is right.

Not news is it?  I only mention it because if this club can sort it out and get back on the right path, it could be a model for other clubs.  If it can't, it will go down as just another club that failed the dogs.