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World's First Digital Dog News
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 Letters
To The Editor
DoodleDog's eyes are squinty and his
nose is permanently bent out of shape so keep your letter succinct or like all Bullies, he will edit, eat, or
bury it! A Letter to the Editor is automatic
permission to publish unless the writer specifically states otherwise.
send to:
Media@TheDogPress.com
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Judges Competence: Why do the
respondents continue to equate the ability to navigate the ring with
ineptitude or aging dementia? Exhibitors are permitted to show
with a mobility device, why not a judge? There are several judges
currently judging that would do exhibitors a favor if they retired,
some are elderly. Perhaps we should determine the attitude toward
judging, and the ability to effectively "cull" a show class to
determine the quality of the dogs being presented AFTER a
representative number of notifications to the AKC by exhibitors
and/or Clubs. To discriminate against an individual because of the
need for mobility device, would mean that we would have to bar
physically challenged exhibitors ( want to see that try to fly in
our society?). I have been showing for 40-plus years, sometimes
under physically challenged judges, but most of the worst judges are
the instant marvels, handlers "given" judgeships for other than
competency and experience reasons. sig: Old Exhibitor, but not that
old
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What are we afraid of? I show
whippets & French Bulldogs. I also own a dog training business.
Many of my students who own a mixed breed dog would love to compete
in AKC performance events. I have no problem with that! They do not
see their dogs as "just as valuable" as purebred dogs as BJ Andrews
contends. They don't think that way. They love seeing their dog
enjoy agility, rally-o and other performance events and they would
enjoy competing. The conformation ring is for comparing breeding
stock. Why can't performance events be for the pure enjoyment of
owning a dog...any dog! Diane Laratta
larattad@wcoil.com
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More On "Should Judges Retire"
Poll: These questions in your poll are both badly worded and
in my opinion skewed to get the response you want. If
someone is not capable of performing their duties and is asked
to step down, that is not discrimination. It can be compared to
being fired for incompetence from a job. Why not ask a judge to
step down because they are incompetent and a disserve to the
profession of dog show judges? If this happens there have to be
good guidelines in place. Remove the age part of the question
and deal solely with competence both mentally and physically.
Why do people equate age with incompetence? Some judges are
incompetent in their first breed and have no ring control
without age or medical issues. People age at different rates.
This has nothing to do with ability to judge dogs. I have seen
90 year old judges adjudicate with abilities of knowledge,
respect, and in a timely fashion. I have seen incompetent and
clueless 30 year old judges.
Why make AKC become doctors and
specialists in many fields? Are the health problems temporary?
Is it because the medications are not working or conflicting?
It is not fair to ask AKC to make these decisions. There are so
many factors involved and AKC is not qualified to make those
decisions. Take that onus away from AKC and put it squarely on
the judges who wishes to maintain their career. We must fulfill
requirements to be accepted as a judge. Why then would it be so
difficult to have continuing certifications throughout our
careers. We can do periodic recertification much as doctors are
required to maintain their licenses. Why can't we judges provide
a medical fitness to function certificate say every 5 years much
as you would get for a driver's license?
If there are several reports
and/or complaints on a judge, an AKC panel to include the
judge's peers should interview that judge. Do not put this duty
on one person. Then after the interview, if necessary, put the
judge on a probationary period much as they were as a
provisional judge. If a once respected judge can no longer
function, then they should be asked to take emeritus status,
mentor new judges, and still be part of the world they so love.
Thank you, Pat Gilbert Gilberts'
K-9 Seminars
www.gilbertk9.com
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Enjoyed The Interview: Bob
Sharp (Dr.) is one of our favorite judges of all times, thanks for
the story! We're looking forward to showing under him once again in
a few weeks at the Summerest. Lynn Brown Ebonystar Schipperkes
www.angelsgaterescue.com
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Your
letter could be here. Keep it short, send to
Editor@TheDogPress.com
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LEG. Game Plan: I
don't think the legislators want the public to know the difference
between hobby breeders (reputable breeders) and puppy mills or other
questionable sources. They want to force controls on everybody, then
expand them and probably drive most reputable breeders out of the
sport. I think in order to educate the general public we must
get support from not only newspapers, but also from the major local
TV news programs. In addition, legislators must be bombarded with
emails, letters and phone calls from fanciers, making them aware of
the fact that we are voters, and also educating them of the things
as responsible breeder does to insure a healthy, happy puppy and a
happy owner.
Jean Lazarus
JeanLazarus@msn.com
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Disgusted With Media ?
re Chihuahua Club coverage, reader says ?This is very poor
reporting. Gladstone specifically stated he was speaking for himself
not the AKC. Why don't you just report the news instead of trying to
sensationalize it by distorting the story? A long time dog breeder
disgusted with much of the media --
JASSamoyed@aol.com |
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Careful
Praise ?
Just wanted to say that I appreciate the candor with which you address
AKC issues. Most of my judge friends say that too but alas, they say it
off the record. We are in constant fear for our careers. I am glad
that you are doing headlines again and will look for the next edition.
The subject of competence is a touchy issue and my friends appreciate
the way your Headlines people handled it. - Please don?t include my
name.
We understand; verified
you are in the Judges' Book. |
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No comment? I don't want my
comment associated with the Fair or the Unfair group. I am
ambivalent. It goes both ways. As an exhibitor I felt
cheated when a judge did not want to or was unable to apply themselves
to the job at hand. As a judge, there are days when I am really
tired at the end of the day or have been hit on so many times, I just
want to get through group and be done with the day. That does not
mean I am incompetent. You can sign me as "Just Tired"
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What Are Your Three Most
Effective Herbs or Supplements? brought great response which we will share with you a few at a time.
Works For Cats: While I am not
a real believer in supplements, just over a year ago, I discovered a
senior vitamin supplement with glucosamine
that actually works. My 17 year old cat was very weak and walking stiff after having been on
thyroid medication for
years. I started giving him KITTYVITE
Senior Vitamin Supplement, He would lick it off a spoon and soon began
not just walking better, but leaping around the house feeling like a
young cat.
My 9 year old female is slightly over-weight, has started
walking a little slower, so I have started giving her the vitamin. It
has only been about a week, but she seems a little quicker.
I purchased it at Petsmart. Nel Liquorman nel@liquorman.net
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Herbs Saved Thousands: I spent
quite a while trying to figure out which herbs I use the most... I
use a lot of herbs and have saved thousands in Dr and Vet bills by using
herbs. Guess you could say I am a "student".
So, anyway... here are three I would NEVER want to be without!
1) Slippery Elm- Powder- for diarrhea. Works just about every time.
Soothes the intestines, and I have been using it for over 13 years now.
2) Nettle- blend of seeds, root and leaves. Supports & cleanses
kidneys... has saved the life of a few rescues with kidney
failure. Kept ME from going on Dialysis! Could have saved a lot
of dogs who ate that awful tainted commercial food and died!
3) Milk Thistle- Promotes and cleanses a healthy liver. I
take it myself, too. I was exposed to HEP C 32 years ago by
a blood transfusion.
There are more that I use on a regular basis, but you only
asked for 3.
Dawn Ruhl
dawnofthedanes@mac.com
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More On Older Dogs &
Joints: Triple strength Glucosamine
Chondroitin Complex. 2 tablets per day =
Glucosamine HCI 1.5g [1500mg] and Chondroitin Sulfate
1.2g [1200mg]. Used for older dogs with stiff or sore
joints.
Cherie Starr
cimarron@abq-nm.com
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Arthritis Pain My old Boxer's arthritis pain
seems to be reduced by 125 mgm, boswellia
capsules. Audrey G Schnell paxinc@embarqmail.com
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