Yes, an apology. Not once did Patti mentioned the name of any handler or dog,or owners, not even that it was a GSD. Same as for Peggy yesterday, everyone assume she was talking about a GSD with bad temperament, when in fact the dog in discussion wasn't even in the Herding Group. So I cant see how anyone must be issued a direct apology. The discussion had merit, more so because there was no finger pointing, just real anger at the issue, and yes indirectly at whoever follows this practices, but in an abstract way, as no name were mentioned, and for that I have to say Patti was very sensitive. And she contacted the handler directly, and then threw herself into the lions den with a correction and an apology. It takes backbone to face the fire squad, but since we have a shortage of people who hold themselves accountable I can see why Patti stands out. Thank You Patti for being an adult. Now, it cant be denied that Patti brought to light an issue that is a sore point with many. Drugging is happening, and now many more people are prepared to deal with a situation like this the right way. Contact the AKC rep or Super, and let the handler explain and proof to them that it was Flagyl, or whatever. If nothing else, people are going to be more careful about their medicating, and who knows, maybe a dog or two will be spared from this at times abusive treatment. * Ileana * Inquest GSD's, Home of : 2 x Sel EX AM CH & Sel CAN CH Karizma's Cacique of Inquest TC, aka DEXTER Kaleef's Expensive Date (major pointed) aka JACKIE In a message dated 2/17/2011 8:13:53 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, EJDegen@xxxxxxx writes: Yesterday, on this list, someone implied that a handler was seen drugging a dog at the most prestigious all breed show in the United States. Numerous people excitedly jumped on this like a mob. They were so eager for that poor young handler to have "done something wrong" and that gorgeous bitch to be "undeserving". Why? Are they jealous or just mean-spirited or plain evil? If we wonder why dog shows are decreasing in popularity, it's not because a handler gave a dog some Flagyl, it's because of nasty people who assume the worst and then spread vicious gossip and make implications of the worst kind. Since the person who originally made these implications hasn't done it, I'll tell you what happened. Because of the changes in water, etc., all of the traveling, and many dogs at the show getting loose stools (and for those of us that were there, it's VERY crowded and close quarters), the handler decided to give the dog some Flagyl before they had their debut on national television. Now, how about an APOLOGY from those of you who were so eager to believe the worst? Since you had no problem assuming the worst in writing on this list, then APOLOGIZE on this list. ADMIT you made a mistake and CALL THE HANDLER AND THE OWNER PERSONALLY AND APOLOGIZE as well as post on this list a PUBLIC APOLOGY since you had no problem making public implications and suppositions. When you say "I'm sorry if I upset you", that is NOT an apology. This is what I tell my kids: An apology does not contain EXCUSES. An apology should be SINCERE. An apology should be written with an "I" statement, NEVER laying blame on the other person or a situation. The person apologizing must express HUMILITY AND REMORSE. When a person apologizes, they take FULL RESPONSIBILITY and ACKNOWLEDGE the HURT AND DAMAGE that THEY CAUSED. An apology should also include how that person will change THEIR ways to make sure that THEY do not repeat their behavior. What is written below is NOT an apology. If my kids came to me with that, I'd tell them to go "try again" and this time be FACTUAL, SINCERE, and take full responsibility for YOUR poor decision. Disgusted, Julie Degen In a message dated 2/16/2011 9:50:45 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, writes: Subject: Westminster I was bothered enough by the entire incident at Westminster, that I took it upon myself to speak with the handler and try to shed some light on the entire situation. I am sorry this was so upsetting to so many, but I am glad to have followed my instinct and if nothing else, we are all learning from haste and mistakes. If the handler and I can get past this, I imagine so can the rest of us. I really don't think anything more needs to be said on the subject. Again, we need to be careful what we do and how it looks to others when it comes to our dogs whether it be in giving them medication or something as simple as a correction. Hopefully we can "put this topic to bed". ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2011. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Each Author is responsible for the content of his/her post. This group and its administrators are not responsible for the comments or opinions expressed in any post. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org SUBSCRIPTION:http://showgsd.org/mail.html NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================ ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2011. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Each Author is responsible for the content of his/her post. This group and its administrators are not responsible for the comments or opinions expressed in any post. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org SUBSCRIPTION:http://showgsd.org/mail.html NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================