And that is a great thougt each of us mentor one person. - and I chanllenge all the handlers to take a junior this summer for two weeks - take them to dog shows - let them groom - exercise and spend week-days with you, working dogs, setting them up - training puppies. Nancy ----- Original Message ----- From: GrnRam415@xxxxxxx To: edwinx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ; nancy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ; showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 1:25 AM Subject: Re: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: failing clubs (long) Ed, You and Nancy bring up some really good points. The 'Old Timers' sure don't give the newcomers a warm, fuzzy feeling when they come into the breed. And, many don't wish to share their secrets of success nor are they willing to point a potential newcomer in the right direction. Then there are those who feel that with their experience and years in the breed, they don't need to be educated. Ok, but that's not everyone. There are also people out there who will mentor newcomers, support Juniors and share their knowledge of breeding and pedigrees and such. Yes, we need more of those folks to come forth. And many do, right here on this List. Anytime someone needs help, people step up and help. So, the big question is how to take that positive attitude and apply it to showing dogs and getting more interest and entries. The other issue is that we ARE living in an age of instant gratification. People want a Champion NOW! Newcomers don't always realize that a dog's maturity, geographic location, and other variables may take longer to finish a dog. They don't look at the long term and just want it NOW. As in the above scenario, there are also newbies out there that want to learn and want to do it right. I am working with a 12 yr old who has chosen the GSD as her breed. Her Mom is a handler so the basics are there. She is working with one of my girls. I gave her a Review to study the pictures and learn more about the breed. She took it further. She did internet research and learned the history of the breed. This very shy girl even called a breeder referral I gave her to get on a waiting list for a show pup. This is a girl who we need to nurture. As you all know, Melissa (another Junior) spent the summer with me last year. She also got to meet many of the CA people and it was a very positive experience for her. Each of these girls have a lot to offer to the future of our breed. They have the interest, energy (I wish I had) and the love of the breed. I say, for all the folks who are so willing to be nice and help the Juniors, have the same attitude with the newbie adults. Treat them as sponges who will soak up any and all info you will give them. Nuture them the way you would a Junior. Be open to helping people. Yes, they may be competition a lot sooner than the Juniors but they also equate to numbers at our specialties. And a good dog is a good dog, no matter who owns it, right? If each person on this List mentors one person, Junior or adult, we could do great things for our breed. Just a thought :-) In a message dated 4/2/2006 9:47:55 PM Pacific Standard Time, edwinx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes: Ms Harper...you need to speak more often on this list, your words were both enlightening and encouraging....but there is one thing I believe you missed...folks talk about "educating" new folks...well I believe we need to educate or re-educate many of the so-called "old-timers"...the information or should I say mis-information on crucial issues about this breed seems to be running rampant...I am truly at a loss about what needs to be done....you are right about the upcoming changes to the Futurity system...many will be upset no matter what changes are made...many say if it ain't broke don't fix it...I guess that would depend on what "broke " means....now I need to go correct a spelling test....just as soon as I find the "Key"....Ed Laura Thomas http://www.treasureranchgsds.com/ ============================================================================ 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 ============================================================================