Hi Guys As I sit reading post after post, each more scathing than the last, I wonder what a necomer would think or in years to come our successors? There was a question asked "Would you or Why join the GSDCA?" That is a question that only and individual can answer to their own satisfaction. But whether you are /are not a member, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO LEAVE THE BREED? When I speak here, I speak collectively, so bear that in mind..... -How will I leave this breed? -Will I have conducted myself with honesty, integrity, and with the BREED in mind before myself or my wins? -Will I choose breeding pairs based on their MERIT, and betterment of the breed, and not on my cronies, political closeness and clout? -Am I choosing a great dog / bitch or DOGUE O' DE DAY to be in the clique? -Will I be seen by newcomers and the public as friendly, knowledgeable and willing to share my knowledge and to do so in a welcoming way? Have I done this even if it ruffles a grooming job (remember the JUDGE is going to muss your grooming job too) or if it means that a family or newcomer "pals around" with me to try and learn more? -Have I represented myself , my kennel , and this Breed honestly to the public? -Do I disclose health issues in past litters, or that my stud or bitch may pass? Even to pet buyers? -Do I compete by Following rules and regulations in mind, or do I spend much thought on how ot CIRCUMVENT THEM, and hope nobody will notice? -Do my DOGS, MY KENNEL , MY INTERACTION AT SHOWS, MY COMPETING AND MY REPRESENTATION OF OUR CLUB AND BREED REFLECT WELL ON ALL ? OR DO I JUST GET BY, AND GRAB MY WINS AND MY SALES REGARDLESS OF THE COST , BOTH TO THE BREED AND IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND MOVE ON, EVERYONE ELSE BE DAMNED? -Do I engender trust, in myself, my dogs, and my kennel and MY CLUB? We all will have a legacy. Some GREAT AND ENDURING LIKE THE EVERLASTING GIFTS that the likes of JOAN FORD, AND BOB PENNY HAVE LEFT BEHIND FOR US TO TRY TO EMULATE. What My Friend will be YOUR Legacy? How will the Future of the breed speak of YOU and Your Mark? Just thinking.... Kathy http://www.victorygermanshepherds.com Ch. Elvaston's Nations Cup, TC, OFA 26 BOB/BISS to Date ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2007. 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 - www.showgsd.org ============================================================================