Hi Janice and all, There are some newbies who take the initiative, learn on their own and make things happen on their own without mentors or support by "local breeders". One person that comes to mind is Hallie McMullen, who actually started out training dogs for police work and then slowly but surely became interested in the conformation part of it. I am sure she would be happy to fill you in on the details as she is now a member of the GSDCA and is also very active promoting a Junior handler, Roni Dollar. Hallie lives outside of Boise, Idaho, has joined the local Kennel club, is still active in Schutzhund stuff and also shows in the conformation ring. No local GSD people either. She made things happen on her own without much outside help. This young lady is indeed an asset to our parent club and also to our list as she will be the "Auctioneer" at our lister party. Can't miss her, she's a head taller than the rest of us - besides Dave Rinke!!! LOL Lee -----Original Message----- From: showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Wasatchgld@xxxxxxx Sent: Saturday, October 07, 2006 8:26 AM To: vomkristallaugen@xxxxxxxxxxx; VPREZHMF@xxxxxxx; Gatlinp@xxxxxxx; Windwalkergsds@xxxxxx; showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx; CHBLACKVELVET@xxxxxxx Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: Hunte Kris makes a very valid point - there are many areas of the country where there are no local GSD people. There are also a lot of "newbies" that receive a 'cool reception' (to put it nicely!) from the local GSD people when they try to approach them. How many people try to join this list who have no sponsers? And, how many of us have had show prospects returned because our puppy buyers were not given any support or positive comments from the local breeders? I live 60-90 miles away from the other GSD people here. I was able to join the regional club and was actively involved for about ten years, but I've never had a mentor and was too far away to be included in practices or to receive any direct help or support. Joining the PC and studying the Review and tapes of the National were my main way of learning about the breed. It would be sad to deny that opportunity to someone who doesn't happen to live in California, or another state with a lot of experienced people to associate with! JMO, Janice Buchanan, UT In a message dated 10/7/2006 8:28:07 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time, vomkristallaugen@xxxxxxxxxxx writes: What about those "newbies" that know noone yet, how are they to get sponsors? Newbies are just that...new, I don't think they should be penalized or held back because of the fact they are new. Many have done their research and believe in being a part of the PC, to learn and grow. What happens if someone then does not have a sponsor? Kris Kudel Kamelot Shepherds UPDATED http://mysite.verizon.net/krisbob1/ GSDCA member ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2006. 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. 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@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - URL temporarily deleted due to AOL issues ============================================================================ ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2006. 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. 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@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - URL temporarily deleted due to AOL issues ============================================================================