I forgot to add this great tidbit about Vancouver (littermates, Am. Ch. Von Saar's Lady Di, Sel Can Ch Von Saar's Prince of Wales, Sch II) A Canadian Breeder and friend had seen Vancouver and bred to him. Liking the outcome, she wanted to breed 3 bitches to him so.... I sent her the dog. (Because of his problems, I had never shown him) Two months later she phoned with his flight information and at the end of the conversation she said..."Oh, by the way, I took him to three shows and he is now a Canadian Champion." NEVER in my wildest dreams would I have believed ANYONE would do such a nice thing. Along with the bad...there is the wonderful. Helen Franklin ----- Original Message ----- From: Helen Franklin To: showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Monday, August 08, 2005 12:45 PM Subject: Recent negative posts Competition is great for business but can be destructive in man. Years ago I was moving back from Canada with a gorgeous dog I bred and owned, Can. Ch. Von Saar's Vancouver OFA. In photo's he was breathtaking. In person, he had two problems, a crushed tail (YES, from a car door) and most likely an ununited cornoid process on one side...though not confirmed. (Yes, we did try) Some exhibitors were concerned about him entering the stud arena in California (which he didn't) and told everyone that the reason he was never shown in the U.S. was because he had several missing teeth and really, really bad temperament. Neither could be further from the truth. No missing teeth and the soundest animal placed on this earth. The rumors were so bad that it hurt me. I loved this dog so much and he didn't deserve this bad-mouthing....so.....at the Ventura GSDC show that year, I passed around flyers inviting the entire ringside back to my house for dinner. Living close to the showground's, everyone came. When the living room was full of dog people (40 or more) I brought Vancouver into the house, no collar or leash, Put him in the living room with everyone, closed the door and did not return for over 20 minutes. I smile (big) to this day, remembering that night. It was one of my finest moments. Those that did the talking were made to look a jealous fool ....big time.....and my beautiful dog came away with the praise he so justly deserved. Helen Franklin ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. 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 - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================