[ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: Last shows

  • From: "Paula M. Cooke" <pcooke212@xxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Tue, 31 May 2011 03:07:38 GMT

I ditto all that, Penny.

One point you missed, though, is that other breed clubs are much more 
supportive of the people who end up in the top 20 and/or 25.  Our PC ignores 
that "all-breed" stuff!  I was even criticized and chastised, by a PC Committee 
Chairperson, for using Harley's honorably awarded AKC JAM/AOE in my brags and 
ads.  

After all that Harley has accomplished, after the awesome ambassador he has 
been for our breed, when he turns 7 years of age, he is not eligible for the 
GSDCA Parade of Greats at our National Specialty.  But, any, and all, 
dogs/bitches who, on only one occasion, went Select at a National Specialty, 
will be eligible for the Parade of Greats.  They don't even need to have 
functional hip sockets!!!

Believe me, in the 35 years that I have been a member of the GSDCA, I have 
never felt so dis-enfranchised.   The AKC has honored Harley with 3 separate 
invitations to Eukanuba.  Westminster Kennel Club has honored Harley with an 
invitation to their show.  IMHO, those are "Parade of Great" accomplishments!!  
But, what do I know???  I just pay my dues every year.

If I ever put this kind of time, effort, work, hopes, and money into another 
show dog, I seriously doubt it will be with a member of my most beloved breed.

In the mean time, in spite of the GSDCA, we are having the time of our lives!!!

Paula

Home of BIS, BISS, Multi-Group Winning, GSDCA Dual Title Award Recipient, AKC 
JAM/AOE, International & American Champion, Grand Champion Asgard Harley 
Davidson v Plamark, HT, PT, CGC, TC, HIC, OFA CHIC #64047 (Hips, Elbows, 
Cardiac, & Thyroid), DNA tested clear of the long-coat factor, 2010 & Lifetime 
#1 GSD in California, 2010, 2011, & Lifetime #1 GSD in Michigan, 2010 #1 Male 
GSD in the Country, 2010 #3 & Lifetime #4 GSD in the Country, 1st male German 
Shepherd Dog Grand Champion, (AKC Stats), 2011 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 
Invitee.


---------- Original Message ----------
From: Penny & Bill <ketchy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Last shows
Date: Mon, 30 May 2011 20:55:03 -0400

I agree with the economy being PART of the reason that entries are  
down, clubs are folding and people are turning away from showing  
GSDs.  But it is MORE than that.  Entries are still "up there" in  
Labs, Goldens and MANY other breeds.  Entries are increasing in  
performance events. Why us?  The AKC is trying to help show people by  
continuing to lower the point scale.  Why us?  Could part of it be  
that our dogs are DYING young from bloat, torsion, toxic gut?  Are  
people tired of shepherds NOT passing OFA and other health tests?  Our  
CH Brando passed away at 6 from mesenteric torsion.  After speaking  
extensively to Barb Williams about Brando AND ch pointed Jeddie (who  
bloated and died at her handler's at 5), we went to the pedigrees,  
where we found the "carriers" of  these sicknesses.  I believe that  
many people don't care about these carriers--they want the next big  
win.  Finish them fast, before they croak.  With me, ego drives me to  
show the good dogs--but it is much more than that.  My dogs are house  
dogs and pets first, not commodity--and I don't want "my kids" dying  
young.  I try to be careful, but of course (she laughs) there are no  
guarantees to longevity in life.  I thank God every day for Forest-- 
who will soon be 12.  Elvis will be 6 in a few days.  Izzy is 3.  Cole  
will be 2 in December.  The puppies are babies.  Please God . . .

When Jeddie passed, I thought I would too.  When Brando passed, Billy  
thought he would too.  I didn't breed or show for 3 years.  I almost  
quit.  But now I'm trying one last time--to love, to show, to breed.   
It is SCARY.  Do you think there are people like me who have quit?   
Why did they?  Related health problems, as mentioned above?  The  
politics in the show ring?  The nastiness and jealousies of some  
exhibitors and breeders?  Any and all!

So sure, PART of our problem IS the economy.  But WE are our own worst  
enemy.

Penny in NC
Farm Dog Forest


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