I can't remember the year, probably 2002 or 03. But I do know I needed no support to join. Even my regional club requires that we have 2 members support a prospective member. I could have gotten such support from 5 people for me to join the GSDCA. My regional club members know how much I care about my dogs, and this breed. They see it in my actions across the board. I would rather have to jump through a few hoops to join and know that the hoops would block anyone such as Hunte, than to be lumped into a catagory with him. Again, large volume breeders of any one breed do worry me. But some of our large volume breeders do care and do know each pup until it is sold. They may have more litters a year than I would be happy with, but I see dogs from several large breeders here in S Fla. And all are well raised dogs when they arrive. They are all healthy, they may have been bought younger than I would like, for show, but that is the buyer's business. If I want to be sure to get a champion quality dog, I need to buy one that is already finished. If I want to gamble with a 12 week old pup, I take my chances and deal with the quality I get. sheila --------------------------------- Have a burning question? Go to Yahoo! Answers and get answers from real people who know. ============================================================================ 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 - www.showgsd.org ============================================================================