Welcome to Whippet Whispers for June 2008

  1. Next Events
  2. Board Announcements
  3. Rescue Report
  4. Member Brags
  5. Member Announcements
  6. General Meeting
  7. Race Practice
  8. Upcoming Shows & Events
  9. Couch Tails
  10. Member Web Sites
  11. Veterinary Recommendations
  12. Board Member Contact Info
  13. General Meeting Minutes

Next Events

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008

General Meeting [More]

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008

Race Practice [More]


Board Announcements

FREEDOM DOGS DEMONSTRATION
GREATER SAN DIEGO WHIPPET ASSOCIATION
JULY 9, 2008 BOARD/GENERAL MEETING

INVITATION TO ALL GSDWA MEMBERS!!

The Greater San Diego Whippet Association invites the all members to the July 9th Board/General meeting for a special presentation by San Diego Freedom Dogs. San Diego Freedom Dogs is a totally volunteer, non-profit 501[c] 3 organization. Their mission is to provide short-term periodic use of Specialty Service Dog teams as well as custom trained service dogs trained from puppy to adulthood for permanent placement with wounded military returning from armed conflicts.

San Diego Freedom Dogs will bring 3 dogs and trainers to demonstrate their skills and their unique training techniques. To find out more about San Diego Freedom Dogs and the specific training techniques that will be demonstrated please log on to their web site freedomdogsinfo@yahoo.com.

The Board/General meeting begin at 7:00 PM

at Coco’s Restaurant in Kearney Mesa,

5955 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 9211
phone [858-] 279-5363

... followed by the demonstrations. If you plan to attend please call or email me at [619] 224-0048, pmix@halloffamecards.com, I need to let the restaurant know how many tables to set.

This will be a very informative and moving evening which we are sure you will all enjoy.

Patti Mix

P.S. I will be out of town June 4th through June 8th. I will respond to all calls or emails on June 9th.


Rescue Report

Dear Members,

PLEASE READ THIS. 

I just want to make you all aware of a situation that has come up to the members of Whippet Rescue and Placement (WRAP).   WRAP is the American Whippet Club nationwide rescue network.

With the housing market taking a huge nose dive and the economy in such a terrible state, WRAP is beginning to get larger than usual numbers of Whippets coming into rescue from folks who simply cannot keep their dogs any longer.  Fortunately, some are calling WRAP volunteers, but more are ending up in shelters too.  We are seeing new litter announcements every day and we are very concerned that there is beginning to be a glut on the market for our breed.  Mind you, other breeds are in worse shape, but it's still cause for concern.  As I write this WRAP has 14 new rescues coming in this weekend.  We have never had a situation such as this and it can only get worse.  So far, in San Diego we're not getting any, but they are in LA/Riverside area.  WRAP rescuers in most states are already at their limit or above and dogs are needing to be transported to other states to enable us to take them all into the system. 

Please take this serious situation into consideration if you are considering breeding your dogs in the next year or so.  I'm hoping that WRAP will also send an open letter to AWC to make all members aware of what is happening.  Our local shelters are full and having to euthanize dogs daily because of overcrowding due to foreclosures.  Last week Animal Control announced free older dogs were available.  I've personally, in the past, never heard of them giving dogs for no charge.  These dogs, cats, rabbits and such are the innocent victims of  our economy.  The owners don't want to give up their animals are heartbroken when they turn them over, but they have no choice.  I beg you to seriously consider curtailing any further breeding of Whippets until this broken economy is beginning to mend. 

Submitted by Jo Rufing, Rescue Coordinator


Member Brags

The fabulous Karma and Slim Shady puppies have arrived!

Windyglen's Chocolate Karma SC, FCh X Shady Past RCH, ORC

3 girls and 2 boys. Inquiries are welcome!

Pascale Jones 760 458-8881

Wayne and Debbey Bartos are proud to announce the newest addition to their family......

Wheatland Rhythm & Blues (Rhythm) out of Shady Past RCh, ORC (Slim Shady) x  Wheatland Kentfield Queen O' Soul SC (Aretha). Isn't he cute?!

Submitted by Debbey Bartos

Ch Oxford Tobell Fire and Ice (Ella) Was Best In Show

Ch Oxford Tobell Fire and Ice (Ella) Was Best In Show At The AWC National Specialty

Breeders: Dianne  Bowen and Kim Tucker

Owners: Charlotte Lee and Dianne Bowen

Ch Oxford's Kamio In The Sunbeam got a Select Award At the American Whippet  National

Submitted by Dianne Bowen

"Dinah" ... TANGENS MAVERICK DESTINATION MOON

Breeders: Eva Engvall & Rachel Amado.

Sire: CH. WINSMOOR MAVERICK COWBOY UP!

Dam: PLUMCREEK HW ACROSS THE MOON

Owners of Dinah: Rosanna Sutton, Cindy Chadwick & Eva Engvall.

In the Futurity 6-8 puppy bitch class Dinah was 3rd out of a class of 19. Judge was Donna Lynch. In the 6-9 puppy bitch class judged by Cindy Scott

"Dinah was 1st in a class of 38. She was shown by Rachel Amado. Great job, Rachel and Dinah.

We are so proud of both of you.

Bye for now...Rosanna and the Winsmoor Whippets

GSDWA Wins!

In addition the Dianne Bowen, Kim Tucker and Charlotte Lee’s colossal BOB win with Ella, GSDWA was well represented by Maverick (Rachel Amado and Henry Heil), and Nysa Hill (Angie Diehl) and Tangens (Eva Engvall).

For Maverick, Flair was 2nd HIT in Obedience and earned her first Open leg. She had the only qualifying Open score of the show and was awarded a plaque for being the #1 Obedience Whippet in the country for 2007. She also carried the flag in both opening ceremonies festivities. A picture of her made it into the Eugene Register Guard and we’re waiting for reprints. She was also featured in the Parade of Honors. Picture attached.

Cowboy’s off-spring did him proud. His puppies out of Eva and Rachel’s Plumcreek bitch, Laika, placed first and third in the 6-8 Futurity dog class and 3rd and 4th in the 6-8 Futurity bitch class under judge Donna Lynch. The also placed first in both the 6-9 month dog and 6-9 month bitch classes in the regular classes under judge Cindy Scott. Brand, owned by Iva Kimmelman, went on to win RWD. Quite an accomplishment for his first show!

Flash and Kristofferson, also sired by Cowboy took 2nd in BBE bitches and 4th in Open Dogs. Another Cowboy daughter, owned by Brad Briscoe, won a prestigious AOM.

Luna, Maverick The Harvest Moon, a litter sister to Flair, won the Best of Breed Altered competition. I’ve attached a picture of her with her breeders (Henry and Rachel) and her owners, Don and Clay McGuire.

Cowboy and Kris took 3rd in the Brace class and I couldn’t have been more pleased with their performance. Picture also attached.

By the end of the week, everyone knew that GSDWA had come to play.

Rachel J. Amado



Member Announcements

Americans have a love affair with their cars--and their pets. During the summer months, however, the combination can be deadly.

The Dog Days of Summer

Common sense tells most people that leaving their pet inside a parked vehicle on a hot, summer day could be dangerous after an extended period of time. But most people don't realize that the temperature can skyrocket after just a few minutes. Parking in the shade or leaving the windows cracked does little to alleviate this pressure cooker.

On a warm, sunny day windows collect light, trapping heat inside the vehicle, and pushing the temperature inside to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree Fahrenheit day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within ten minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. At 110 degrees, pets are in danger of heatstroke. On hot and humid days, the temperature in a car parked in direct sunlight can rise more than 30 degrees per minute, and quickly become lethal.

A recent study by the Stanford University School of Medicine showed that temperatures inside cars can rise dramatically even on mild days. With outside temperatures as low as 72 degrees, researchers found that a car's interior temperature can heat up by an average of 40 degrees within an hour, with 80% of that increase in the first 30 minutes. A cracked window provides little relief from this oven effect. The Stanford researchers found that a cracked window had an insignificant effect on both the rate of heating and the final temperature after an hour.

Pets, more so than humans, are susceptible to overheating. While people can roll down windows, turn on the air conditioner or exit the vehicle when they become too hot, pets cannot. And pets are much less efficient at cooling themselves than people are.

Dogs, for example, are designed to conserve heat. Their sweat glands, which exist on their nose and the pads of their feet, are inadequate for cooling during hot days. Panting and drinking water helps cool them, but if they only have overheated air to breathe, dogs can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes. Short-nosed breeds, like pugs and bulldogs, young pets, seniors or pets with weight, respiratory, cardiovascular or other health problems are especially susceptible to heat-related stress.

Pets on the Move

While it used to be that our animals stayed home to guard the couch, increasingly dogs, cats and other pets are going along for the ride, whether tagging along during errands or putting in major mileage during the family vacation. The high number of animals on the road means that awareness and vigilance are essential for protecting pets from parking-lot peril. Help spread the word by following these tips:

  • Remind friends to keep their pets at home during the summer months if they'll be going anywhere pets are not allowed.
  • Educate others by distributing posters or by leaving brochures on windshields. The HSUS has posters, available for a nominal fee ($3 for 10/ $5 for 25), that store managers can post inside their windows to remind shoppers that "Leaving Your Pet in a Parked Car Can Be a Deadly Mistake." Similar, 4" x 9" hot car flyers are also available (50 for $3) at the address below. For a sample brochure, send a SASE to HSUS/Hot Cars, 2100 L St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20037.
  • Get involved. If you see a pet in a parked car during a summer day, go to the nearest store and have the owner paged. Enlist the help of a local police officer or security guard or call the local police department and animal control office.
  • Deb Antoniades, of Monroe County, New York is an animal lover who not only keeps her own pets at home when the temperatures rise, but who is vigilant about keeping other animals safe as well. "I keep a stack of photocopies in my glove compartment of an article about the dangers of leaving a dog in your car in the summer¬even with the windows open. I leave [the articles] under the windshield wiper of any car I notice with a dog left inside. I've called 911 a couple of times as well."

Taking Action

In case of an emergency, it's important to be able to identify the symptoms of heat stress caused by exposure to extreme temperatures. Check the animal for signs of heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, and unconsciousness.

If the animal shows symptoms of heatstroke, take steps to gradually lower her body temperature immediately. Follow these tips, and it could save her life:

  • Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area.
  • Apply ice packs or cold towels to her head, neck, and chest or immerse her in cool (not cold) water.
  • Let her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
  • Take her directly to a veterinarian.

In many states, it's against the law to leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle in a manner than endangers the health or safety of the animal. Despite these laws, not to mention a basic common sense that should guide most pet owners during the summer, companion animals die every year from heatstroke. The worst part is knowing that each death was preventable. That's why sharing this information is so important. Summers, after all, are truly supposed to be carefree.

By Rebecca Simmons, HSUS

You Can Help Prepare for the Needs of Your Pets In An Emergency

When preparing a disaster plan and survival kit for yourself and your family, consider the needs of your pet.

Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.

To Learn More:
http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html
oes@sdcounty.ca.gov
DASInfo@sdcounty.ca.gov


General Meeting

Next General Meeting

Wednesday, Jul 9 @ 7pm

Future Meeting Date(s)

Aug 13
Sep 10
Oct 8
Nov 12
Dec 10

Information

GSDWA Board meetings are generally held the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm and are held at the Coco's in Kearny Mesa, unless otherwise stated.

Directions

Coco's
5955 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 92111
858 279 5363


View Larger Map

Race Practice

Next Practice

Sunday, Jun 22nd, 2008 @ 8am

Future Dates

Jul 27
Aug 24
Sep 28
Oct 26
Nov 23
Dec -- No Practice

Information

Time

  • 8:00am Start
  • Goes for the time it takes to give the dogs 3 runs each (usually not later than 11:00am)
  • Please be on time or we won't be able to give your dog all its runs!

Cost

  • $3/3 runs per dog for GSDWA members
  • $5/3runs per dog for non-GSDWA members

Bring

  • a crate for each dog,
  • snug fitting collar on each dog that they can't back out of,
  • 2 leashes (one for releasing and 1 for the catcher),
  • water and bowl for dog(s),
  • chair for yourself

Contact

Location

Kearny Mesa Park
3170 Armstrong Street
San Diego, CA 92111

Directions from the North

  • 805 South
  • Exit Balboa Ave
  • East on Balboa Ave
  • Right on Convoy St
  • Convoy St turns into Linda Vista Rd
  • Right on Mesa College Dr
  • Left on Armstrong St
  • Please park in the front parking lot next to the Park & Rec building, which is on the right as you enter the park.
  • Directions from the South

  • 163 North
  • Exit Mesa College Dr
  • West on Mesa College Dr
  • Left on Armstrong St
  • Please park in the front parking lot next to the Park & Rec building, which is on the right as you enter the park.
  • Map


    View Larger Map

    Upcoming Shows & Events

    2008 So Cal Race & Race Practice Schedule

    June 14 - NAWRA 200 yd. Sprint Racing - Tehachapi CA
    June 15 - NOTRA 350m. Oval Racing - Tehachapi, CA

    July 12 - NAWRA 200 yd. Sprint Racing - Tehachapi, CA
    July 13 - NOTRA 350m. Oval Racing - Tehachapi, CA

    Aug. 2 - NAWRA 200 yd. Sprint Racing - Tehachapi, CA
    Aug. 3 - NOTRA 350m. Oval Racing - Tehachapi, CA

    Sept. 28 - NAWRA 150 Sprint Racing - Irvine Reg. Park, Irvine, CA

    Oct. 11 - NAWRA 150 Sprint Racing - Irvine Reg. Park, Irvine, CA
    Oct. 18 - NAWRA 150 Sprint Racing - Irvine Reg. Park, Irvine, CA
    Oct. 19 - NOTRA 270 yd. Oval Racing - Carbon Canyon Reg. Park, Brea, CA

    Nov. 15 - NAWRA 150 Sprint Racing - Irvine Reg. Park, Irvine, CA
    Nov. 16 - NOTRA 270 yd. Oval Racing - Carbon Canyon Reg. Park, Brea, CA

    Dec. 6 - NAWRA 150 Sprint Racing - Irvine Reg. Park, Irvine, CA
    Dec. 7 - NOTRA 270 yd. Oval Racing - Carbon Canyon Reg. Park, Brea, CA
    Dec. 13 - NAWRA 150 Sprint Racing - Irvine Reg. Park, Irvine, CA

    NORTHERN CALIFORNIA LURE COURSING SCHEDULE

    MAY

    3 ASFA - AB MBCA Hollister Sara Beetz whippets@alchemyinvestments.net
    4 ASFA - AB PHFNC Hollister Linda Witt CHURUKA@AOL.COM
    31 AKC-BA BCONC Livermore Donna Troyna dmtroyna@yahoo.com

    JUNE

    1 AKC-AB BCONC Livermore Donna Troyna dmtroyna@yahoo.com
    14 AKC - W NCWFA Oakland Brad Briscoe briscoebrad@mns.com
    15 AKC - AB NCWFA Oakland Brad Briscoe briscoebrad@mns.com

    JULY

    12 ASFA - AB NCIWC Livermore Mary Sharkey msharkey8@yahoo.com

    AUGUST

    9 ASFA - AB MBCA Hollister Christie Beetz whippets@alchemyinvestments.net
    10 ASFA - AB PHFNC Hollister Linda Witt Churuka@aol.com

    SEPTEMBER

    1 ASFA - AB NCWC Livermore Sue Oace oace@nature.berkeley.edu
    14 ASFA-IW NCIWC Petaluma Mary Sharkey msharkey8@yahoo.com
    20 ASFA - AB SSIH Wheatland Kathy Kelly KKelly@DMV.CA.gov
    21 ASFA - AB SSIH Wheatland Kathy Kelly KKelly@DMV.CA.gov
    27 AKC - AB PHFNC Hollister Sara Beetz whippets@alchemyinvestments.net
    28 ASFA-AB BARRC Hollister Sue McNeill smcneill@wildblue.net

    OCTOBER

    17 AKC - RR BARRC Livermore Sue McNeill smcniell@wildblue.net

    NOVEMBER

    1 ASFA - AB NCIWC Oakley Mary Sharkey msharkey8@yahoo.com
    15 AKC - W NCWFA Oakland Cheryl Boyer boyercpa@pacbell.net
    16 AKC - AB NCWFA Oakland Cheryl Boyer boyercpa@pacbell.net
    28 ASFA - AB MBCA Hollister Christie Beetz whippets@alchemyinvestments.net
    29 ASFA - AB MBCA Hollister Christie Beetz whippets@alchemyinvestments.net
    30 ASFA - AB PHFNC Hollister Linda Witt Churuka@aol.com

    DECEMBER

    6 ASFA - REGIONAL BCONC Livermore Donna Troyna dmtroyna@yahoo.com
    7 AKC - AB BCONC Livermore Donna Troyna dmtroyna@yahoo.com
    14 ASFA - IB SSIH Sacramento Kathy Kelly KKelly@DMV.CA.gov

    Submitted by Debbey Bartos


    CouchTails

    No Couch Tails this Month.

    Member Web Sites


    Veterinary Recommendations

    • Did you know there is a Animal Ambulance in San Diego County!?
      San Diego's companion animals can now get life-saving services usually reserved for people. Animal Ambulance has arrived in San Diego County to help transport pets in need of critical medical support. When a pet needs oxygen, fluids and first aid, Animal Ambulance can be counted on to provide these services, and transport an injured or ill pet to a veterinarian. Animal Ambulance can easily transport pets that are non-ambulatory, severely injured or in respiratory distress directly and safely to the hospital. They also offer home euthanasia services.

      • Pet owners or Vets can call and book appointments, and the Ambulance service is also available for emergencies 24 hours a day! Disabled pet owners, those who own or work with service dogs, military personnel and senior citizens always receive a discount.
      • The North County / San Diego area driver is Damean Mitchell. He brings a knowledgeable, professional and compassionate service to those in need.
        To learn more, log onto www.MyPet2Vet.com or call 760-738-6156.
      • Information provided from San Diego Pets magazine
    • Country Pet Clinic
      Chamkaur S. Brar, D.V.M.

      2525 Alpine Boulevard
      Alpine, CA 91901
      Phone: (619) 445-9815 On call 24hours
      • Rachel and I have been taking our dogs to Dr. Brar since 1998 when we moved to the Alpine area and have been most satisfied with his care and concern. His home is adjacent to the clinic and he has made himself available day and night. He has a very caring staff that we have grown to consider as friends. He treats a number of whippets in addition to our “posse” plus other sight hounds in the area. We feel that you will receive the type of care that you desire for your animals. -- Henry and Rachel
    • Governor Animal Clinic
      Dr. Kirk Feinberg

      3240 Governor Drive
      San Diego CA 92122
      Phone: (858) 453-6312
      http://www.governoranimalclinic.com/
      • In over 20 years of owning dogs, Dr. Feinberg is by far the best vet we have encountered. A graduate of UC Davis, he uses both western medicine and naturopathic remedies to treat his animal patients. He has spayed both of our girls and is very aware of the special anesthesia requirements for whippets as well as all of the other aspects of the breed. He has been a guest speaker at one of our whippet club meetings on the topic of over vaccination and titer testing and he is always on top of the latest techniques and treatments. In addition, he has the greatest bedside manner. He's gentle and caring with our dogs and we never feel rushed or leave with unanswered questions. Governor Animal Clinic is a full service clinic, the office staff is great, and there's even a painting of whippets on one of the walls when you walk in. There are 3 other vets in the office, but if you want the best care for your whips... ask for Dr. Feinberg. -- Wayne and Debbey Bartos
    • Harmony Animal Hospital
      Dr Candy Lewis

      3994 Park Blvd (SW corner of Park & Lincoln)
      San Diego, CA 92103
      (619) 293-7600

      • Dr Lewis has been fantastic through Cat's recovery. She's also the vet for the Greyhound rescue of SD so is very familiar with treating sight hounds. -- Brooke Toscano
    • Oceanside Veterinary Hospital
      2960 San Luis Rey Road
      Oceanside, Ca. 92054
      Phone: (760) 757-1571
      • "I searched long and hard for our Vet, and for basic vet care he is fabulous. One of our Whippets, Tigre, has Hemangiosarcoma, and whenever growths re-occurr he performs the surgeries. He does a great job and he is reasonably priced." -- Pascale Jones
    • Sunset Cliff Animal Hospital
      4741 Point Loma Ave
      San Diego, CA 92107
      Phone: (619) 224-0773
      http://www.sunsetcliffsanimalhospital.com/
      • "Our vet we had used for years sold his business and we wanted someone close to our house. I had heard lots of good things about them and scheduled appointments with a few vets and we were happy with them right off the bat. They are a husband wife team, Dr. Christy Berg who grew up in Bonita and her husband Dr. Edwardo Acosta, who grew up in Puerto Rico. They are a very special team that knows sighthounds and make you feel like you have the BEST dogs in the world. They are also sensitive to the rips and tears we get from running our many dogs at Fiesta Island and always manage to fit them in spur of the moment. Did it help that we told them we would make their house payment for them when we first met them? Who knows, at any rate, they take very good care of our dogs. When we had our last litter (C-section I might add), Dr. Berg was wonderful about coming to our house to check on them and give them their shots. They are also very in tune with behavioral issues, which we do have as a pack. We are very comfortable recommending them to any other whippet owners." -- Sonny and Barbara Wakefield; Sonara Whippets

    Have you had a good experience with your vet, surgeon, or clinic? We would like to start compiling a list of member-recommended resources for our dogs to include in the Helpful Links section of the newsletter. Please email the following to admin@sandiegowhippets.com if you have information you'd like to share.

    • Name
    • City, State
    • Phone Number
    • Web Site Address
    • Email Address

    Thanks, Brooke Toscano


    Board Member Contact Info

    GSDWA Board of Directors

    Position

    Member

    Phone

    Email

    President Henry Heil (619) 445-1777 president@sandiegowhippets.com
    Vice President Sarah Balkam   vicepres@sandiegowhippets.com
    Treasurer Norm Rufing (619) 477-4222 treasurer@sandiegowhippets.com
    Secretary Leslie Smith   secretary@sandiegowhippets.com
    Program Chair Debbey Bartos (858) 569-5261 programs@sandiegowhippets.com
    Rescue/ Breeder Referral Jo Rufing (619) 477-4222 rescue@sandiegowhippets.com
    Webmaster/ Newsletter Editor Brooke Toscano   newsletter@sandiegowhippets.com
    web@sandiegowhippets.com
    admin@sandiegowhippets.com
    Member-at-Large Rich Bergman (619) 443-2711

     

    Member-at-Large Jennifer Goodman (858) 349-6169

     

    Member-at-Large Barbara Iacometti    
    Member-at-Large

    Patti Mix

       
    Member-at-Large

    Betty Wolkonsky

    (619) 443-1655  
    Race Practice Coordinators

    Jo & Norm Rufing

    (619) 477-4222 racepractice@sandiegowhippets.com

     


    General Meeting Minutes

    Greater San Diego Whippet Association
    Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
    February 13, 2008

    Meeting called to order at 7:08 pm.

    Roll Call of Board of Directors:

    Present: Norm Rufing, Betty Wolkonsky, Sarah Balkam, Patti Mix, Jennifer Goodman, Leslie Smith, and Henry Heil.

    Absent: Rich Bergman, Barbara Iacometti

    Members in attendance: Jo Rufing, Debbey Bartos, Wayne Bartos, Dianne Bowen, Leigh Balkam, Rachel Amado, and Hunter Smith.

    Guests: Richard McNulty.

    Secretary’s Report: January minutes approved as read.

    Treasurer’s Report: Current balance=$5964.86, $60.00 cash and check on hand).

    Membership: None.

    Rescue: For adult whippets that need placement, members who have volunteered to foster are Dave and Kathy Jacobs, Leigh and Sarah Balkam, Jennifer Goodman.

    Website: February issue is out.

    Correspondence: AKC correspondence touched on. “Responsible Dog Ownership Day, 2008” and Annual State filing. Discussed holding community events (education, rescue, etc) as condition for future Specialties. Participation in Silver Bay Kennel Club and rescue efforts recognized.

    Miscellaneous: GSDWA garage sale discussed, date still pending.             

    Committees:

    Hospitality: Patti Mix has a new baby granddaughter named Daisy.

    Newsletter: No Report.

    Programs: Debbey Bartos’s program ideas revisited. Implementing after Specialty discussed. No meeting in March. Decided that there was no need for “stand up” meeting at Specialty. Other ideas discussed were: Obedience clinic at our August event with Rachel Amado, Rich Bergman’s presentation discussed as a back up. Other areas touched upon were Canine Good Citizen with Christine DeClerk, a good preparation being Obedience 101 with Rachel. Discussed setting up tours with Helen Woodward, The Humane Society, not limited to GSDWA. Hunter has contact with Helen Woodward, will follow up.

    Specialty:  Trophy donation coming in. A list of unsponsored trophies is available. Thanks to all those participating. Checks go to Norm. Specialty luncheon chaired by Dianne Bowen. Leslie and Jennifer volunteered to help. Club members to bring salads and deserts. Contact Dianne to volunteer. When entries close on February 27, food budget will be determined. Specialty to be held in Exhibit hall, maps are available. Betty Wolkonsky to handle catalog sales. Patti Mix checking on tables, equipment. Nancy Maples and Victoria LaGuardia in charge of Silent Auction. Contact them to volunteer. Jo Rufing has sent e mails urging members to volunteer and donate items. Transportation for judges discussed. Being handled by Henry Heil, Rachel Amado and Betty Wolkonsky. Activities for the week the judges are here discussed. First event to start at 10:00 am.

    Race Events: February 24 will be the next race practice, same place, same time.

    Old Business: None.

    New Business: None.

    Meeting was adjourned at 8:03 pm.

    Respectfully submitted:

    Leslie Smith, Secretary