Good questions! The Review only provides info to members. While this is an excellent way to reach folks already in the Breed who are members, it doesn't even begin to provide info to JQP. I know many pet people with GSD's who are dealing with health and behavioral issues. EPI, SIBO, HD, DM, fear biting, dog aggression and fence fighting, to name a few. Not one of these people are PC members. They have dogs from BYB or internet sites or rescues. However, they want to do right by their dogs and and seek as much information they can find to help their dogs have a quality life. For you who are computer illiterate, do you think a quarterly Review would diminish your education? Afterall, if you posted, you are on the List and get support and information every day. I am talking about using funds to provide brochures and educational materials that would assist JQP in dealing with health and training issues, educate them on how to find their next GSD through a reputable breeder and perhaps get them interested in finding a quality GSD in the future and getting them addicted to showing, obedience, herding or even being part on the PC. This would probably mean volunteers that would be willing to attend rescue and adoption events to provide those brochures to JQP. There are also many folks out there who are computer savvy. Write articles promoting the Breed in your local papers, or online entities that cater to dogs. Provide valid information in your area on how folks can find quality GSD's. Address the personality of the GSD VS the expectation JQP has of the "perfect" dog. So many tell me about the ginormous GSD they had as a kid. He/She was their best friend, protected them and went every where with them. What they don't get is that dog was trained by their parents and puppies don't come trained. They also have a misguided perception of that dog. The person was a little kid, so the dog looked huge. They need a reality check. Ok, off my soapbox. But, some things to think about. Are you all willing to step up to the plate? Go to funtions that aren't specialties or AB shows and really educate the public? Can you take time to find local publications in which to educate the public on our Breed? Times are changing and we must change with it. I am currently signed up to write articles for an online publication. I chose the GSD to write about. In fact, I will be asking some of you for interviews about your dogs, your history and goals. Some may not be computer savvy, but they will have the opportunity to share their experiences through me. I hope this answered some of your questions. The bottom line, be creative. Laura Thomas -----Original Message----- From: Kmgraphic2 <Kmgraphic2@xxxxxxx> To: fairway97045 <fairway97045@xxxxxxxxx>; grnram415 <grnram415@xxxxxxx>; marhaven <marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>; Showgsd-l <Showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Thu, Dec 23, 2010 9:37 am Subject: Re: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: Promoting the Breed??? that brings up an excellent point, terry. i am computer-stupid but i do my best. we have members who are techno-gurus. BUT, we also have members, a number of them long-time and successful breeders, who do NOT use a computer. assuming that the entire membership enjoys or employs a computer would be a serious mistake on the part of the GSDCA and would definitely and completely disenfranchise a portion of the membership. diane Diane Silver-Strasser Silstra German Shepherds Skatiebug'z The online store for everything German Shepherd and then some! http://skatiebugz.blogspot.com Skater's Blog In a message dated 12/23/2010 9:32:51 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, fairway97045@xxxxxxxxx writes: Laura I have a question. If health and education information is not delivered through the Review then how does the Parent Club get that information out? The Internet? Terry ________________________________ From: "grnram415@xxxxxxx" <grnram415@xxxxxxx> To: marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx; Showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Wed, December 22, 2010 10:46:14 PM Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: Promoting the Breed??? I should clarify! My post was meant only to provide an example of positive promotion of the Breed. We tend to forget that showing in any venue makes up but a small percentage of dog owners. While I am not happy with the recent couple years of PC "politics" and may not show in conformation again, I DO feel that a PC is important for any breed. Everything works in cycles. Sooner or later, the PC will get to what is the most important and that is our Breed. While the economy has not been nice to me, I will remain a PC member. I would prefer to see The Review go quarterly and see my dues go toward health, education or anything that brings in new people. Carolyn, I agree. The PC is part of the big picture because most of the people in it strive to encompass the total GSD. At least I want to hope they do :-) Laura Thomas -----Original Message----- From: Carolyn Martello <marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: grnram415 <grnram415@xxxxxxx>; Showgsd-l <Showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Wed, Dec 22, 2010 3:44 pm Subject: Re:Promoting the Breed??? I would like to clarify.......while I agree with all these posts regarding the promotion of the Breed inre. to the Parent Club membership, and many events and non events......I also believe the Parent Club, our Specialty Clubs and Specialty shows are the support system, the strength and backbone of the Breed. They are what keeps us focused on breeding a good dog... or a great dog.......our basic support system of other breeders and exhibitors and supporters of the Breed Standard. Many like-minded people I love talking breedings and dogs and genetics with. I would be lost without them. I look forward to seeing other Breeders at these shows every Spring after a long winter of no shows. IMO Specialty Shows are the "breeder's showcase".......to ourselves, each other, other Exhibitors and Breeders, Breed Judges and even Herding people and Obedience people. We soak up GSD's and talk GSD's all day....outdoors watching them in a big ring. They are the GSD Showcase! IMO. I know we hear some only "breed to win"......and I am sure that may be in some cases...whether All Breed OR Specialty....but I feel sorry for anyone that has not lived with a truly sound German Shepherd Dog. Completely sound mentally.......and physically.....from a gorgeous 'look' and side gait to a good brain, good conformation and a good healthy system and powerful curvy athletic body and desire to please and work for it's owner. Striving for ALL that IS what gives you the winners.......AND promotes the Breed. No...we don't "need" a Parent Club or Specialty shows to do this......but to us.....they are a big part of the big picture overall. Carolyn marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx www.Marhaven.com ----- Original Message ----- From: grnram415@xxxxxxx To: Showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 2010 12:14 PM Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Promoting the Breed??? This may already have been said. The conformation world is but a teeny, tiny percentage of GSD owners, especially the specialty ring. While I have invited and brought people to specialties to watch the dogs and provide them a different perspective, it is but one small aspect. A couple days ago, I went to a friends house. She took in a very large sable male that had been returned to me. I posted this issue before. Anyway, the puupy buyer said the dog was aggresive and a bully toward their 4yr-old son. I had my 5yr-old neighbor girl help me to work with him and this dog is nothing close to a bully. He is tuned in to his people and appropiately protective and turns into jelly when he gets attention. His new owner is on an exercise program where she walks 2-3 miles a day and takes the dog with her. She is a very social and friendly person. She greets people and walks with a group and socializes this dog with every human and dog she meets. She is dog savvy and knows how to read other dogs and avoids possible conflicts. This is a big, oversized male. She has made more friends with him and is amazed how many people who started off scared of him are now looking for him every day to say "Hi" on their walks. To me, this is what promoting the breed is about. And, I am thrilled this dog found the right home. Except, when he sees me he beats the crap out of me in excitement, LOL! I think that is a good thing when your pups remember you and love you :-) Right, Stormy? Laura Thomas ===========================================================================POST is Copyrighted 2010. 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 NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ =========================================================================== ===========================================================================POST is Copyrighted 2010. 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 NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ =========================================================================== ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2010. 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 NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================