tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69558435818491326102024-03-06T12:01:21.985-08:00The Boxer Underground BlogVirginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-80671915784273685382022-07-26T10:58:00.000-07:002022-07-26T10:58:23.749-07:00THIS IS THE FACE OF BLOAT by Kate Connick <p></p><div><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Editor's note: My thanks to Boxer owner extraordinaire Kate Connick for sharing this "bloat early warning system" with those of us who have never experienced the condition in the dogs we live with. And for providing the best home for one of my puppies this breeder could ever have hoped for.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Yes, Tonka experienced GDV (gastric dilatation and volvulus, aka bloat/torsion) on Tuesday. This isn't an uncommon disorder, and I'm sure some of you have experience with it. My very first exposure was watching a neighbor's great Dane die this way when I was a kid. Horrible way to die, I might add.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> But some of you haven't had firsthand experience with bloat, so I figure I'll share Tonka's tale to make it real for you. If you aren't already familiar with GDV, you want to know about it - whatever kind of dog you have. This is potentially one of the ugliest, most urgent and lethal situations that you may face as a dog owner, and you don't want to be farting around online asking people what they think about your dog's retching and pacing as he slowly dies in front of you. Take a few minutes to learn so that you're prepared.</span></p><div class="ii gt" id=":56d" jslog="20277; u014N:xr6bB; 4:W251bGwsbnVsbCxbXV0." style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; direction: ltr; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 8px 0px 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div class="a3s aiL" id=":56c" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.5; overflow: auto hidden;"><div style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><div><span dir="auto" style="font-size: medium;"><div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">An excellent article about bloat can be found here: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/bloat/understanding-bloat.html?fbclid%3DIwAR2biBEUjNV0ozQqsZ4kM_9RYuclTfti2fr3p5ya9TswJFBDPqm7OlfZQQM%23Warning&source=gmail&ust=1656096692889000&usg=AOvVaw37dctooUImZqOrOHpr8q1X" href="https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/bloat/understanding-bloat.html?fbclid=IwAR2biBEUjNV0ozQqsZ4kM_9RYuclTfti2fr3p5ya9TswJFBDPqm7OlfZQQM#Warning" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"></a><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/bloat/understanding-bloat.html?fbclid%3DIwAR2biBEUjNV0ozQqsZ4kM_9RYuclTfti2fr3p5ya9TswJFBDPqm7OlfZQQM%23Warning&source=gmail&ust=1656096692889000&usg=AOvVaw37dctooUImZqOrOHpr8q1X" href="https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/bloat/understanding-bloat.html?fbclid=IwAR2biBEUjNV0ozQqsZ4kM_9RYuclTfti2fr3p5ya9TswJFBDPqm7OlfZQQM#Warning" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.akcchf.org/canine-<wbr></wbr>health/top-health-concerns/<wbr></wbr>bloat/understanding-bloat.<wbr></wbr>html#Warning</a></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">Tonka belongs to several of the high risk categories: He's a large, deep chested, male boxer with a temperament that is excitable and anxiety-prone. His 9th birthday arrives before the end of the month, and age is a significant risk factor. They don't know exactly why that's so, but it may be that lig<span>a</span>ments become more lax, or other health conditions like tumors may serve as contributing factors. Whatever the reason, bloat risk increases with age.<br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">Tonka leads a sensibly bloat-preventive life. He doesn't exercise before or after meals, doesn't eat large meals, and isn't fed when he's panting. He has a varied diet, eats multiple small meals daily, doesn't gorge his food, and generally doesn't overindulge at the water bowl. He's lean but fit and overtly healthy.<br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">Even though he has ARVC ("boxer cardiomyopathy") and a cardiologist told me, years ago, that he was "at high risk for sudden death, with or without medication," he has led a full, active life. He hikes, swims, runs, plays, and you'd never know he was a cardiac patient if I didn't tell you. But he is - and this is relevant. Since his ARVC diagnosis when he was a year and a half or so old, he's been sedated and locally anesthetized for a few, relatively minor procedures, but he hasn't undergone general anesthesia. Too risky.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">There was absolutely nothing unique about the day he bloated. It was a typical day. He had hiked the day before, and the morning of, he went swimming with his "siblings." He retrieved, swam with me, and rode on a float - but his exertion level wasn't unusual, and he didn't have an unusual amount of treats or drinking water. It was a typical day.<br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">My first sense that something was amiss was on the car ride home. He usually sleeps, but he was restless - and this is unusual for him. Anyone who has ever ridden in my car knows that I keep it cold enough to induce hypothermia in a polar bear, but Tonka was panting. He would lie down, then get up - panting - and look out the window. I'm not a worrier, so my assumption was that he probably had to go to the bathroom. Still, I must have had some sense of foreboding; I kept an eye on him in the rear view mirror as a drove. He did settle, but not as restfully as usual, and he would alternate rest with standing and panting. Why didn't I just pull over and give him a chance to go to the bathroom, you ask? Oddly, that's what I would have done any other day. My thought bubble was telling me I should just pull over, yet I felt a bit of urgency to just get him home.<br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">It's an hour drive. Once home, it's another half hour to unload the car and put stuff away. The dogs were in the backyard or house - kind of following me around. Tonka's behavior didn't seem particularly unusual at that time.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">Then I sat down with my sister to chat, and that's when I grew increasingly concerned. Know your dog. Know what's normal and what isn't. And pay attention to it. All of Tonka's symptoms were relatively subtle, but I found myself staring at him. I wasn't even consciously thinking. I was just staring at him with a pit in my own gut, until I said, "I think he may be bloating."<br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">What were his symptoms?</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">* Panting. Yes, it's a summer day, but I keep my house cold. The dog should not have been panting. It was more of a pressured panting, the kind prompted by stress or pain.</div><div dir="auto">* Comfort Seeking. Yes, he's an affectionate dog, but he'll typically flop on a dog bed and snooze when we get home. He persistently stood next to me, basically in heel position beside my chair, and solicited contact. Sometimes dogs aren't flattering you but are trying to ask you for help.</div><div dir="auto">* Restlessness. Again, his typical behavior would be to just lie down and relax. He wanted to. He'd approach a bed or the sofa, maybe dig a little like dogs do before they lie down, and then abandon his effort to return to my side.</div><div dir="auto">* Posture. His back was slightly arched, just enough to look slightly uncomfortable.</div><div dir="auto">* Tight abdomen. His belly felt very tense to me.</div><div dir="auto">* Inability to vomit? A couple of times, he dropped his head and bee-lined away, in the way a dog might as it's preparing to vomit - but then he simply didn't, and he returned to my side.<br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">Mostly, he just appeared to be panting, restless and clingy - and this is not typical behavior for him, but it also wasn't overwhelmingly obtrusive. If the house wasn't air conditioned, if there were other activities going on where his restlessness and neediness weren't so apparent, would his dilemma go unnoticed? It can happen. Bloat can happen very quickly, often at night, and it's easy to not realize what's happening until things are more advanced. There were some characteristic symptoms that he didn't display. He never physically tried to vomit; there was no retching, dry heaves, or anything like that. His belly wasn't swollen; it simply felt extra-firm to the touch. His color was good. He wasn't having any mobility issues (jumping into the car, for example). He's stoic, so you could squeeze his belly like a python might, and not get any reaction.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">Off to the vet we went. I walked in to my vet's office, was greeted by a staff member who knows me well, and when I quietly said, "I think Tonka may be bloating," they mobilized like a tornado. I'm not a very dramatic individual, so I did have a passing thought that I was going to feel like a first-rate jackass if the dog just had a stomachache or a pinched nerve. That said, sometimes you don't want to be right, and I didn't want to be right about the whole bloat thing. Being a jackass isn't always a bad thing.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">The vet immediately looked at him. Abdomen didn't seem particularly tense to her (again, know your dog - for him, it wasn't normal). Heart rate was normal. Color good. She almost looked relieved, but obviously they took xrays right away - and while he wasn't dramatically bloated, he had torsed. In simple terms, his stomach got acrobatic and did a little somersault so that it was cutting off circulation to itself and everything beyond. And that's a B.F.D. This is one of those genuine, life or death situations!!!<br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">My options:</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">Option 1. Euthanasia. That sounds horrific to even consider, but we're talking about a nearly 9 year old boxer with a serious heart condition (who might not even survive anesthesia itself, much less any of the nastier side effects that GDV can bring, like heart arrhythmias, sepsis, organ damage/failure, etc.). This is something people often opt for, out of concern for their animal's comfort and/or an inability to justify the financial burden of more intensive intervention. Resist the temptation to pass judgment on anyone who feels that this is the most sensible decision. Sometimes it's a kindness to spare a dog from the prolonged discomfort of hopeless surgery and aftercare. Seriously, don't judge people who make different choices than you. We all do the best we can for the pets we love, given our knowledge and resources at the time. Be kind.</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div></div><div><div dir="auto">Option 2. A tricky, difficult, and expensive surgery with no real guarantee of success. These surgeries and the aftercare are very, very expensive - and no, not because veterinarians are thieving villains but because the surgeries aren't easy. The interrupted blood flow can wreak all sorts of damage, and to be honest, my vet's practice isn't particularly equipped to do this sort of surgery. It's more of an emergency-vet thing, but it's also a time-is-of-the-essence thing, and he was already at my vet's - and I was insistent that he have surgery in familiar surroundings, under the care of people I know and trust. Not to be grim, but if he was going to die, I wanted it to be in more comforting surroundings. He's a high anxiety type of dog, and especially with the aftercare, it was important to me that he be attended to by friends and not strangers.</div></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span dir="auto"><div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: medium;">So yes, I went for Option 2. Tonka has been active, happy, and sometimes you just have the subjective sense that the dog isn't ready to die. And no, I don't have health insurance for this dog, but that's okay. I kinda like the old guy, so I'll deal with it. My vet protested and really wanted me to consider taking him to an emergency center for surgery performed by specialists who do this sort of thing frequently, but she understood my reasoning for wanting her to do the job, and she rose to the occasion. Heroically, I might add. I don't think either of us was necessarily optimistic about what she'd find once she cut him open, but apparently I'd gotten him there quickly enough, and they started him on fluids and painkillers right away. <span>In terms of a rough timeline, his bloat symptoms started around 1pm; I had him at the vet by 3:30 or so, and he was being cut by 5-ish.</span><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: medium;">He was in surgery quickly, and the worst of it was the torsion itself. He wasn't terribly bloated. His organs and blood vessels appeared healthy, so she didn't have to remove necrosed tissue. His spleen looked just fine, as did the stomach<span> and intestines</span>. These are good things. His heart held up astonishingly well throughout surgery. Go figure. His stomach was re-positioned the way it's supposed to be, anchored in place, and he was stitched back up. That's only the first hurdle to recovery.<br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: medium;">I visited afterwards, and he was stoned off his gourd. Visited the next day (Wednesday), got him to drink a little water, eat a little food, and pass some stool while taking a little walk. He was still pretty dopey from drugs and fatigue, but they let me hang out on the floor with him in an exam room while he napped.<br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pro Tip: Send pizza to the vet office. They like treats just as much as dogs do, and with rare exceptions (I hear you, gluten intolerants), who doesn't enjoy pizza? They genuinely saved this dog from certain death. GDV is that sort of situation.<br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: medium;">Realistically, part of this process is understanding that you can only control so much. I did my job by getting him to the vet quickly. She did her job by doing her thing quickly and competently. His body seems to be doing its job, but that's always the wild card. Some dogs just suffer too much damage - and well, he IS an older dog with a defective heart who probably shouldn't even be alive anyway! (Note of hope to those with ARVC-afflicted dogs: The medications can be absolutely amazing in giving these dogs genuinely full lives).</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tonka has been eating, resting, gaining alertness, and he continues to look stable and well. The vet is continuing to adjust medications to finesse his treatment, and she'll recheck his bloodwork later, but I'm hopeful he'll be able to come home soon. If this dog manages to get through this and celebrate his 9th birthday on the 27th, it'll be a minor miracle. Amusingly, his breeder had asked me to choose an Eagles song for his registered name (that was the theme for the litter). As much as I like the song Desperado, I just couldn't name my dog that. So I opted for the song Take it to the Limit. I have a friend who believes that dogs become their names. Maybe there's something to that.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday follow up: Tonka was able to go home Thursday evening. He had some issues with reflux, but with medications and many small meals throughout the day, that appears to be under control. He lost about 6 pounds, but he's ravenously hungry and eager to regain it all. Astonishingly, his bloodwork was normal throughout this (with the exception of an increase in WBCs), and he is off all painkillers - but other than being tired, he appears to feel pretty good. </span><div class="yj6qo"></div><div class="adL"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK_uPWrVZA8ECxV5kHW3j9v9_BGNuLdTBKHquj7NDjOCz1OHL87FgaB4nA3Qzth-MFp7M92ZBU_a8mpzX50iQXdmxLt5J_SIsglKSnvVu1CjXw4R9CTTtOceTS3yUrPdbrTQKEP94wVVLovOC90Dr-6kPBmxuWddSqfOZyXTnla2d51qeimxaElWBNQ/s4128/Tonka%20-%20Bloat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK_uPWrVZA8ECxV5kHW3j9v9_BGNuLdTBKHquj7NDjOCz1OHL87FgaB4nA3Qzth-MFp7M92ZBU_a8mpzX50iQXdmxLt5J_SIsglKSnvVu1CjXw4R9CTTtOceTS3yUrPdbrTQKEP94wVVLovOC90Dr-6kPBmxuWddSqfOZyXTnla2d51qeimxaElWBNQ/s320/Tonka%20-%20Bloat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="adL"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2UcpA3NKbKwnewYS6kN9QlKb8PrhoENqokkvq4Em5HLsM3Uahba5xrcKn70UCLQciNc0J4nSBfaDdzHdNq9GjSLlDuCloNNhz1JRKUQUCShKhTncLveTHQgK_HG34utVZD3Opsv0UaTYpmOXcKNRZMQpD94ME9eZTHrBOcGB-Rz1DY93mFT7lhWE4g/s1500/Slide%20Mtn%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2UcpA3NKbKwnewYS6kN9QlKb8PrhoENqokkvq4Em5HLsM3Uahba5xrcKn70UCLQciNc0J4nSBfaDdzHdNq9GjSLlDuCloNNhz1JRKUQUCShKhTncLveTHQgK_HG34utVZD3Opsv0UaTYpmOXcKNRZMQpD94ME9eZTHrBOcGB-Rz1DY93mFT7lhWE4g/s320/Slide%20Mtn%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="adL"><br /></div></div><div class="adL" style="font-size: 10pt;"></div></div><div class="adL" style="font-size: 10pt;"></div></span></div><div class="adL" style="font-size: 10pt;"></div></div><div class="adL" style="font-size: small;"></div></div></div>Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-21009951994520418152020-09-16T10:08:00.009-07:002020-09-16T12:06:25.806-07:00A Brief Journey through the American Healthcare System...via Medicare (Copyright 2020 Virginia Zurflieh)<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Author’s note: I’ve published this account on my Boxer Underground
Blog, but be forewarned, its only relation to Boxers is the fact that my son
and daughter moved in and cared for my three Boxers (and me) while I was in the
hospital, and later, while I was recovering at home. Thanks, Linda and Rob! (Photos of Uno, Emma and Remy by Robert Zurflieh)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">A
Brief Journey through the American Healthcare System<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">…via
Medicare<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Copyright 2020 Virginia Zurflieh<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What</span></i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> was I thinking? Apparently,
that I was going to glide serenely through life from my 77<sup>th</sup>
birthday to my 100<sup>th</sup> (thereby topping my mother’s record by 57 days)
and arrive at a painless oblivion sometime thereafter…in my sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I didn’t purchase a Medicare supplement and I hadn’t updated
my six-year-old “homemade” will. I intended to have plenty of time to take care
of things like that later. I did sign up
for the prescription coverage part of Medicare (Part D) – which is basically
private, for-profit insurance – when I retired 12 years ago, but dropped it
shortly thereafter. The insurance provider had steadily increased their rates,
despite that from that date in 2008 to the Saturday morning in 2019 on which I
went to the hospital, I was filling only one $10 prescription a month, plus the
odd antibiotic for a dental procedure or sore throat now and then. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Then…<i>WHAM</i>…a trip to an urgent care clinic early one
Saturday morning, a CT scan, a trip by ambulance to the hospital, more CT
scans, exploratory surgery and a 28-day stay in the hospital followed by a
20-day stay at a “rehab center” – really a nursing home and a truly awful place.
Also, three subsequent week-long stays at the same hospital and three months of
home healthcare. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">In addition to learning how totally unprepared I was for a
major medical emergency, I also gained some insight into several facets of the
American healthcare system that I would never have been aware of if I hadn’t
been personally confronted by them. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a name="_Hlk33555573"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Immigration
(yes, immigration):</span></b></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Judging
by the hospital I stayed in, immigrants are utterly essential to the for-profit
American healthcare industry, especially in Florida. My first stay was 28 days
on an ICU floor. A large percentage of both the professional and support staff were
immigrants. Many, but by no means all, were Hispanic. My surgeon was Croatian; the
cardiologist was Indian as is my primary care physician (PCP); the GI
specialist was Middle Eastern. Everyone that I encountered was competent and
courteous. Most spoke fluent English. The same was true in other areas of the
hospital in which I stayed during subsequent admissions. I can’t imagine how this
hospital could have functioned without its immigrant staff. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The staff at the “rehab center” at which I
spent 20 miserable days was also largely comprised of immigrants, but although most
of them were helpful and kind, some spoke almost no English and were clearly
several rungs down the status ladder from their hospital counterparts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Pain Management (as opposed to pain
relief):</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> Because of the current opioid addiction crisis, doctors
these days live in fear that their patients are going to become addicted to the
pain medication they prescribe. So, they prescribe as little as possible for as
short a time as possible. For me, it was
simply a matter of trying to time one of my steadily decreasing number of pain
pills per day to a half hour before the wound-care nurse came to change the
wound vac three times a week. For people with unbearable, long-term pain –
cancer, a broken hip, a condition that cries out for heavy-duty opiates on a
regular basis – the prospect of their physician’s new pain management protocol
must be terrifying.**<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Physical Therapy: </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">PT
joke: “I’m a Personal Torture Instructor…I Mean Physical Therapist.” I’m sure many people benefit from physical
therapy – people who’ve had orthopedic surgery to repair or replace a knee or
hip, for example. But I wasn’t in the
hospital for a hip replacement and attached as I was to IVs and other medical
paraphernalia, wasn’t even up for a walk to the bathroom. Nevertheless, because
physical therapy providers contract with hospitals, rehab centers, etc., for so
many hours of PT per patient whose PCP has prescribed it (mine was a PT
believer), and because they only get paid if they perform the stipulated number
of hours of PT, I was confronted several times a day by a pair of chirpy,
gung-ho twenty-somethings who were determined that I was going to get out of
the bed where I had been trying to catch up on sleep (ironically, the hospital
was not a very restful place) and do <i>anything</i> that counted as PT, even
just sitting up in the chair beside the bed for 30 minutes; or when I finally
got to a bathroom sink, helping my daughter help me wash my hair. Torture – no;
constant annoyance – yes. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Big Pharma, Big Medical Bills and the rest
of the story:</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Here again, my ignorance of the American healthcare
industry showed. When I signed up for Medicare Part D again in November 2019
after I got home, I learned that although the cost would have been $87 a month for
the Part D insurance had I signed up when I first enrolled in Medicare and kept
paying the premiums, it was now going to be $87 <i>plus</i> a $40 a month
penalty…for the rest of my life. In other words, the insurance company was
going to get theirs one way or another. Nevertheless, because Part D lowered the
cost of one of my prescriptions from over $500 for a 90 days’ supply to $135,
and because I had (due to dumb luck/reasonably good health) avoided the cost of
that insurance for over 12 years, I didn’t say a word. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Another thing I learned was that neither
my family doctor nor the cardiologist who prescribed the expensive medication seemed
to have any idea what prescription medicines cost these days. Because my new Part
D prescription coverage didn’t go into effect till January 2020 and I couldn’t
afford $500+ for the medicine the specialist insisted I take, my doctor persuaded
him to provide me with free samples. Then my daughter spoke to his office
manager and she gave me a coupon for a free 30 days’ supply, which tided me
over till January. (Who knew there were coupons? Not the cardiologist,
apparently.) The last time I tried to order a 90 days’ supply, the pharmacy
clerk told me I’d reached a “coverage gap,” and 90 days’ worth was going to be
well over $300 (the dread <i>donut hole</i>?). I was able to order 30 days’ of
the medication for only $45, however, so I took it and will worry about the
coverage gap when I run out again at the end of the month. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">That was just one example of the
outrageous cost of many prescription drugs for which there are apparently no
cheap generic equivalents…but which miraculously become affordable once one
purchases the Part D insurance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">As for big medical bills, Medicare came to
the rescue again. The hospital bill was nearly $34,000. Medicare paid over $32,000;
my copay was $1364. Certainly not a small amount, but compared to $34,000, a
pittance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The bill for my surgery was $89,700. And keep
in mind, the anesthesiologist, radiologist, and other medical groups involved with
the surgery and hospitalization billed me separately. The surgical group sent
an itemized bill, but looking back over it, I can’t figure out what Medicare
paid and what Medicare disallowed, or “adjusted,” (a term used numerous times
in the surgeons’ bill). In the end, however, if my copay – less than $500 – was
20% of the amount Medicare approved, Medicare staff obviously adjusted the charges
down to a tiny fraction of the original amount billed. No wonder some doctors
don’t want to accept Medicare patients. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The Rest of the Story: </span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">When I
began this account, I intended it as a paean to Medicare. Even after I put
$10,000 in copays and related expenses on credit cards and ended up with a $240
monthly premium for Medicare Parts A, B and D (deducted every month from my Social
Security check); and even after I realized that I would not be off the hook for
private, for-profit insurance if I wanted to avoid bankruptcy on a government
healthcare insurance program that I had paid into for 55 years, I’m still profoundly
thankful that I was covered by Medicare. But every time I feel a little twinge
in my side, I wonder how I’ll manage financially if I have to be hospitalized
again (I won’t qualify for a supplement for two years, if then, and if I can
afford it then); and I also wonder – considering the Covid-19 Pandemic – what
is happening to the millions and millions of Americans who <i>aren’t</i>
covered by Medicare.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">** <a href="https://beta.washingtonpost.com/health/opioid-crackdown-forces-pain-patients-to-taper-off-drugs-they-say-they-need/2019/09/10/3920f220-c8da-11e9-a4f3-c081a126de70_story.html"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">https://beta.washingtonpost.com/health/opioid-crackdown-forces-pain-patients-to-taper-off-drugs-they-say-they-need/2019/09/10/3920f220-c8da-11e9-a4f3-c081a126de70_story.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xFvJxmOwlagJ5Ml-W1QuXi-APRVth4a9sNYVWqQDlSibJoXMGiJh4NeXroZK4WskD1SULoIR734iFOR5mXiD0N-IjfYIflaEJEWywHHOnYF7xfbtU2Rw5EsetYPuY5GhDLMxxR6QKatt/s800/Uno+-+head+study.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xFvJxmOwlagJ5Ml-W1QuXi-APRVth4a9sNYVWqQDlSibJoXMGiJh4NeXroZK4WskD1SULoIR734iFOR5mXiD0N-IjfYIflaEJEWywHHOnYF7xfbtU2Rw5EsetYPuY5GhDLMxxR6QKatt/s320/Uno+-+head+study.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugbSpuk__OTJkZoYsAiNqdACkUp5pGX8IrJlw_GWLf42gYZjJ_b4Xokr5YHNyO5vPwhJOGR59YfzsMi57sBuwn8qcbfLeruTEPHzvIuhVsjf2q0oOWI_-Hu8e70bZ80LBhbAg5L3yz6nm/s1200/Emma+%2526+Uno+8-19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugbSpuk__OTJkZoYsAiNqdACkUp5pGX8IrJlw_GWLf42gYZjJ_b4Xokr5YHNyO5vPwhJOGR59YfzsMi57sBuwn8qcbfLeruTEPHzvIuhVsjf2q0oOWI_-Hu8e70bZ80LBhbAg5L3yz6nm/s320/Emma+%2526+Uno+8-19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iFebfEMBKM8YwvgDhWHkHMi6hpy8FRlMAvA2mxwmYKCSYCWFy0q5AZKFp1svKQL-IJogKkqjp0axi6cr0iAu82C6bU84GaOBkqyNKYcaB3FefdXomBcVDF8_Up7Ujj7bor-s7-aEJmgf/s2048/Remy+3-2-19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1486" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iFebfEMBKM8YwvgDhWHkHMi6hpy8FRlMAvA2mxwmYKCSYCWFy0q5AZKFp1svKQL-IJogKkqjp0axi6cr0iAu82C6bU84GaOBkqyNKYcaB3FefdXomBcVDF8_Up7Ujj7bor-s7-aEJmgf/s320/Remy+3-2-19.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><p></p>Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-23859901914466525712020-04-13T13:23:00.000-07:002020-04-13T13:24:06.334-07:00Dr. Bruce Cattanach on Breeding from White Boxers<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Editor’s note: This very timely piece is one of the last
articles I received from Dr Cattanach, and was published in the May 2019 <i>Boxer
Digest </i>along with some wonderful photos from his website of Dr Cattanach with Ch Steynmere
Nightrider.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When my ex-husband and I started out in Boxers in 1973, we
quickly learned not to question (at least not openly) the American Boxer Club’s
proscription against white Boxers: to wit, “reputable” breeders were not to
register, sell or even “place” the white puppies that appeared with great
frequency in flashy x flashy litters…despite that backyard breeders were free
to sell “rare white boxers” for many times the price of a plain brindle puppy
from a champion-sired litter. The rationale for that proscription was the alleged
poor health and genetic inferiority that accompanied white coat color. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The ABC has come a long way since then, bowing to the lobbying
of many of its members, especially new members, who wanted to be able to
acknowledge their white puppies and place them in loving homes, along with the
fawn and brindle “pet” puppies in their litters. The relatively new AKC Limited
Registration policy greatly facilitated the ABC’s official enlightenment on the
subject.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, some breeders are discussing the possibility of being
able to use white boxers in their breeding programs. The following is a letter sent
by UK geneticist and Boxer breeder Dr. Bruce Cattanach to a group of Italian
Boxer fanciers,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">29<sup>th</sup> March 2019<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Breeding from white Boxers<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr. Bruce M. Cattanach <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Steynmere Boxers<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been asked to comment, as a professional research
geneticist and experienced UK Boxer breeder and judge, on the belief of some
breeders that white Boxers are prone to health problems, and that breeding from
them therefore poses risks to the genetic health of the breed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My short answer is that there is no basis whatever for this
idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The rationale for my response lies primarily with the fact
that the white spotting gene responsible for the white ‘colouration’ in Boxers
(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">s^w</b>)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is the same as that for the white coats in
dogs of a number of breeds (Bull Terriers, Sealyhams, Dalmatians etc) and in
none of these breeds have serious abnormalities been found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is however a variably minor incidence
of deafness in these white dogs, but this is well known and understood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The validity of the above statement is confirmed by studies
at the DNA level which have shown the same gene locus is involved in these
‘white spotting’ breeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That there are
other breeds, such as Collies and Dachshunds, which have dogs with white
markings that ARE associated with serious abnormalities, is irrelevant, as the
gene, Merle (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">M</b>), responsible for
white markings in these breeds, is different from that in Boxers (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">s^w</b>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">M </b>functions in a different
way from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">s^w</b>, it is located on a
different chromosome, and also has a different mode of inheritance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The white Boxer is not at risk of any defects
other than, as said, the low risk of deafness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How large is the risk of deafness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know of no scientific study on deafness directly in
Boxers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A best guess for incidence of
deafness would be that it will be similar to that in White Bull Terriers, a
breed in which the incidence has been found to be less than 2%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a breed in which, like Boxers, there
has been no selective breeding for the presence/absence of pigmented patches in
whites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The incidence of deafness is
higher in Dalmatians (5% to 12%) but this higher incidence has been attributed
to the heavy selection for totally white dogs in this breed (excluding the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">spotting</b> which derives from a different
mechanism); pigmented <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">patches</b> are
not wanted in Dalmatians, only <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">spots.</b>
And deafness correlates with pigmentation seen in the coat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It may help understanding of whites and deafness if the
mechanisms involved are explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Basically, the primary effect of the responsible <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">s^w</b> gene involves pigment cell migration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before birth, pigment cells in the foetus are
confined to paired sites along the back near the spine, from head to tail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may be three such sites on the head
(around the eyes, the ears, and the occiput), perhaps six on the body, and
several on the tail (numbers are based on my own studies).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pigmentation, as we observe it, is achieved
by migration of the pigment cells from their starting sites to spread down the
sides of the body with most of the migration ceasing prior to birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It often incomplete such that more distant
regions (between the eyes, and on the chest, neck, belly and lower legs) may
not be reached and therefore remain white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The ending of this migration is best seen on the head where it continues
for several days after birth (the white blaze gets smaller and the nose becomes
pigmented).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pigment cells also
spread internally where they give colour to the eyes and have a role in the
maintenance of the auditory hair cells of the inner ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they do not reach the eyes, the eyes are
blue rather than brown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they do not
reach the ears, the auditory hair cells die within a few weeks of birth, when
hearing is then lost (about 6 weeks).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The migration is not uniform; left and right forelegs, for example, may
have different amounts of white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Likewise, the eyes can be of different colours (brown and blue) and,
with the ears, deafness can affect one or both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a correlation between extent of white in the coat and
incidences of blue eyes and deafness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is best documented in Dalmatians: dogs with the most white in the
coats are more likely to have blue eyes and become deaf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The extent of the migration is loosely
inherited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I have indicated, the white spotting gene (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">s^w</b>) is primarily responsible for
whites in Boxers but there are a number of versions (alleles) of this gene in
other white marked breeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only two of
the versions now seem to exist in present-day Boxers:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->the normal full-colour version (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">S</b>) gives, in the double dose (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">S/S</b>), solid Boxer which may still have
a white chest spot and maybe white toes (the pigment cell migration is near
complete).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->the extreme version (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">s^w</b>) gives, in the double dose (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">s^w/s^w</b>), the near all-white dog, which
may have occasional pigmented patches which are most often located around the
eyes and/or ears on the head and more rarely elsewhere on the body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But the combination of the two versions (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">S </b>and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">s^w</b>) gives the intermediate, flashy Boxer that is generally
favoured for show purposes. The white marking indicates the limitation of the
spread of pigment cells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">S/s^w</b> dogs, the spread is less (more
white) than in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">S/S </b>dogs, and
obviously far more than in near all-white <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">s^w/s^w</b>
dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generally, the amount of white in
the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">S/s^w </b>dogs is less than
one-third of the total, as actually required by the Breed Standard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In summary, genetic studies indicate that white Boxers differ
from flashy Boxers only by the more restricted level of pigment cell migration,
and they are not at greater risk of major inherited disease that would validate
their exclusion from breeding and showing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are, in any case, knowingly produced by the regular use of flashy
animals for breeding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">flashy x flashy produces<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- 25% solid, 50% flashy and 25% white<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But the Breed Standard does not disqualify the flashy
white-producing dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
disqualifying whites from showing may be acceptable, but only for cosmetic
reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to ban them for breeding
based on imagined abnormality has no scientific justification.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If I may add my own view as a former Boxer breeder: I
believe few serious breeders would want to produce high frequencies of whites,
so matings of whites to flashy dogs would seldom be considered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Likewise, matings between whites would also
be avoided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if whites could be
exclusively mated to solids, this could be seen as an acceptable breeding
option and it would not ultimately cause any increase in the numbers of whites
or damage the breed in any way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed,
as all puppies (100%) from white x solid matings would be of the favoured
flashy appearance, thus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">white (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">s^w/s^w</b>)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>x solid (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">S/S</b>) can only produce flashy (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">S/s^w</b>) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and these would breed exactly as flashy dogs from routine
flashy x flashy matings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would leave
open a further breeding option for show Boxer breeding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Added note.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have bred from a number of white Boxers for experimental
reasons, and always they bred exactly as expected, and none produced
abnormalities of any kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bruce M Cattanach BSc<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>PhD<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DSc FRS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Retired as Acting Director of the Medical Research Council
Mammalian Genetics Unit)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-63809422269910982992020-04-11T12:59:00.001-07:002020-04-11T13:03:03.698-07:00A Tribute to Dr. Bruce Cattanach<div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dr.
Bruce M. Cattanach<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">November
5, 1932 – April 8, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Like many of my readers, the Boxer breed has been an
all-consuming passion for most of my life. And the high point of my life in
Boxers was flying to England in 1999 with my good friends Stephanie and David
Abraham and meeting UK geneticist and Boxer breeder Dr. Bruce Cattanach at the
Windsor Show. After Boxer judging, we drove with Bruce to see an early
generation of his Bobtail Boxers and then followed him home to meet his wife Jo
Peters (also a geneticist) and his own Steynmere Boxers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dr. Bruce Cattanach was a brilliant man who made a huge
contribution to the world of genetics (see the Harwell tribute below) and as at
least a working knowledge of genetics became more and more necessary to the
“art” of breeding dogs, was an invaluable resource to dog breeders in their efforts
to avoid hereditary disease, especially in Bruce’s chosen breed, the Boxer. Throughout
the following week, we will feature several articles written by Bruce on
genetics for Boxer breeders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">VZ – April 11, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Medical
Research Council Harwell Institute<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;">Dr.
Bruce Cattanach, former director of the MGU, has sadly passed away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">We are very sorry to
announce that Dr Bruce Cattanach passed away on 8th of April 2020.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Dr Bruce Cattanach
was an outstanding scientist who led the Mammalian Genetics Unit in its early
years. Along with Mary Lyon, Bruce established Harwell as one of the great
international centres for mouse genetics. He discovered the phenomenon of
imprinting and was rightly considered a pioneer in this whole field. He also
was a leading force in the field of dog breeding and dog genetics. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">He will be remembered
as a gentle man who gave so much to all around him, family, friends and
colleagues, with a wry sense of humour. He will be very much missed.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1sDJiNCb6oBnPYeVXQv5ozxdqCFXVW2uu27-Lu572q3GYDaydxMlq6w-ykvnothsWnW5tDWx3HDMjrsoveIN6I6ZnwKD_kO3jUsRua2KVxUOQzEMA7aHfgwLacXf7AWfIRuygZJv_8Hv/s1600/Cattanach_1-scaled+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1212" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1sDJiNCb6oBnPYeVXQv5ozxdqCFXVW2uu27-Lu572q3GYDaydxMlq6w-ykvnothsWnW5tDWx3HDMjrsoveIN6I6ZnwKD_kO3jUsRua2KVxUOQzEMA7aHfgwLacXf7AWfIRuygZJv_8Hv/s320/Cattanach_1-scaled+%25281%2529.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-58719539697496612202018-08-03T09:58:00.000-07:002018-08-03T09:58:14.588-07:00A Snapshot in Time<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">[Editor’s note: The piece below was written by <b>Stephanie
Abraham</b>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AKC Gazette</i> Boxer breed
columnist, for the July <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AKC Gazette</i>. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style";">This breed column, “A
Snapshot in Time,” was selected for republication in the next edition of the
print and online <i>AKC Breeder</i> quarterly newsletter by the
editor of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gazette</i>.]</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> We live in an age
of statistics in the dog world as well as the world at large. From crowd sizes
at political rallies and sporting events to numbers of champions sired by a
particular stud dog to size of entries under a particular judge—we can and do
make judgments based on numbers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> However, it doesn’t hurt
to point out now and again how these numbers may be skewed in a particular
direction or altered over the decades based on new technologies or even changes
in our national economy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> Back in the day,
when bitches had to be shipped by air and there was no AI breeding, stud dog
statistics reflected those times. In the 1970s, for example, shipping was
the norm. I spent many an hour waiting or filling out written forms (no
computers) at the cargo area at the airport. While Bang Away did sire 88
champions in the 1950s, the number of bitches sent to him was legion, and
he remains #1 in AKC Boxer champions sired today. This is a
tremendous achievement, because of the sheer difficulty of physically getting
the bitches to him, and the fact that he was only available during his actual
lifetime—which in his case was relatively short--just under 8 years (Jan. 1949
- Feb. 1957). We can all argue with the benefit of hindsight about
the good and bad contributions he may have made as our first real example of
the ‘popular sire syndrome” in the breed, but the fact remains that his
influence was indisputable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> Today, freezing
semen is commonplace. Dogs can and do sire offspring decades after their
demise. We can ship chilled semen literally around the world using
sophisticated extenders. So while production records may be eclipsed due to
technology, we must remember that not all animals are being counted on equal
playing fields. We reap the rewards today of advances in veterinary science and
research, treating conditions that might have rendered animals barren not so
many years ago. Times have certainly changed. The dog that sired 20 champions
in 1960 might sire 40 or more today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> The advent of DNA
analysis has made a dramatic difference in the dog world. Now we can test for
health conditions, use more than one sire in a litter, and track generations to
be sure of accurate records. Making breeding choices based on DNA analysis has
arguably changed the entire world of purebred dog breeding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> Likewise, dog show
numbers and judging opportunities have increased exponentially over the years.
Hardly a weekend goes by without shows being available at increasingly closer
distances. At the same time, entry fees have increased and travel is also more
expensive. We constantly hear "too many shows, not enough good
judges." While it is not in the scope of this column to argue that theory,
it is clear that entry numbers have decreased and requirements for Majors in
many breeds, and certainly Boxers, have decreased. In my Zone 1, Major
requirements in 2018 have slipped to 9 and 14. I remember when Majors were 24 and
27, with far fewer opportunities to find them. Boxers were almost at the top of
the list of all breeds when it came to Majors. How times have changed--and not
just for Boxers but for many other breeds whose registrations have decreased
even tho their popularity ranking has stayed relatively constant. Boxers have
been in the Top 10 by popularity for a number of years lately. They were #3
during the Bang Away era. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 16.2pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> So--- we need to be
aware of all that has gone before us that has altered the way we look at our
beloved breed. Numbers are just that--merely numbers that reflect on a
particular point in history. One stud dog or brood bitch record is not
"better" than another; it just reflects a snapshot in Time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">Stephanie Abraham<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><a href="mailto:Landmarks.properties@snet.net" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Landmarks.properties@snet.net</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">Scotland</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">, CT 06264<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-76181247945300714492018-04-02T12:51:00.000-07:002018-04-02T12:51:25.437-07:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">How to Win Friends and
Influence Boxer People…NOT!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">It’s 2018.
Boxer entries are down all across the US, the new AKC point schedule shows our
breed in decline and the AKC just announced that </span><span style="background: white; color: #222223; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.0pt;">the German Shorthaired
Pointer made it onto the top 10 most popular dogs list in 2017, knocking out
the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Boxer</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">,</span><span style="background: white; color: #222223; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.0pt;"> who
had been in that group for the past four years. In the same vein, ABC
membership continues to fall and the print-your-own-ballot scheme that the
board came up with not too long ago in an attempt to save money has had the
unintended consequence of ensuring that only a fraction of the membership votes.
In addition to all that bad news, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">ABC member clubs are also losing members and more of them
are falling by the wayside every year</span><span style="background: white; color: #222223; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222223; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.0pt;">So why did the ABC leadership choose this inauspicious moment
in time to take a simple problem – the judge elected to officiate at the
Maryland Regional had to withdraw due to illness, and the judge who came in
second in the election had already accepted another assignment – and turn it
into a crisis?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222223; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.0pt;">When the ABC was notified that the original judge had to
withdraw, the president could have called a special meeting of the full board and
asked for a consensus on a new judge from the directors, who are after all
elected to conduct ABC business. Instead, a couple of officers unthinkingly appointed
a judge <u>who had just judged one of the pre-ABC shows in May 2017</u>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222223; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.0pt;">Naturally the Regional show chair, Tom Davis, objected to the
ABC’s hasty choice, which he felt would hurt the entry at a show that Maryland
Boxer Club members had worked long and hard to make a success. So he called the
Salisbury KC show chair and suggested a popular breeder judge who had
previously judged the ABC Futurity (and was also an ABC director) and the Salisbury
Kennel Club hired her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222223; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.0pt;">But because Tom Davis refused to accept the ill-considered
decision of the officers who originally selected the new judge and acted on his
own to solve what he saw as a problem the ABC was only making worse, a majority
of the board voted to <u>expel</u> him from the ABC; because Bridget Brown, the
breeder judge hired by the Salisbury KC, refused to withdraw from the Regional assignment,
a majority of the board voted to remove her from the board by <u>suspending</u>
her for six months; and finally, despite that the other members of the Maryland
Boxer Club had done nothing wrong and had put on a great show, a majority of
the board voted to sanction MBC for a <u>year</u>, during which time the club
cannot put on an independent specialty show or even a designated specialty. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Which brings me to
the point of this blog: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Both sides</span></u><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;"> made mistakes here, starting with the ABC
officers who selected a judge who had just judged during the 2017 ABC week, in
contravention of the spirit of the ABC’s own judges’ selection rules. But only
one side was punished, and by any measure, punished out of all proportion to
their actions. Expulsion? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A six months suspension?
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A year’s sanction? And most of those
actions were taken in the <u>secrecy</u> of an “executive session” of the
board.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">It’s 2018. Our votes for a new ABC Board of Directors are due to the
teller by April 30. I have served as both an elected member of the board and as
a zone director – I know how the board is supposed to act and it seems plain to
me that the actions of most of the current directors in this instance were
“prejudicial to the best interests of the club and the breed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">If you agree, read the candidate questionnaires carefully and elect a
slate of new members to the ABC BOD. It’s time to change with the times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thanks for listening. </span><span style="background: white; color: #222223; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-55096696698241671232017-08-02T12:01:00.001-07:002017-08-02T12:03:19.764-07:00A 2017 Update on JKD & ARVC Research<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">This update was originally
published in the 2017 ABC issue of <i>The</i> <i>Boxer
Daily</i>. It has been lightly edited. However, before you read about the
progress that’s being made to find a solution to JKD (and ARVC), I’d like to
direct you to <a href="http://www.boxerjkd.com/">www.boxerjkd.com</a>. This website
was created by a group of six Boxer fanciers, including three professional
geneticists and several longtime breeders/exhibitors, to provide advice to
Boxer breeders on how best to avoid producing Juvenile Kidney Disease – a
devastating and inevitably fatal genetic illness – and to offer practical help
and advice to the owners of JKD-affected puppies and adults.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Because there is not yet a
gene test for JKD, the consensus of the three geneticists in our informal JKD
group is that currently the ONLY way to stack the odds of not producing JKD in our favor is to avoid close breeding at all costs, and to eliminate from our
breeding programs dogs and bitches that have produced an affected puppy. To
that end, there are a number of pedigree programs that will help us avoid
breeding two closely related dogs; and boxerjkd.com has compiled a group of pedigrees from various parts of the world that identify
dogs and bitches that have produced offspring that were diagnosed with JKD.
(These pedigrees will soon be available on the boxerjkd.com Facebook page,
too.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">It seems to be human nature
to try to deny that a big health problem exists until it’s become an <i>overwhelming</i> problem. That’s what’s
happened in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region> with JKD,
and in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>
with ARVC (we have JKD here in NA, too, but not yet to the same extent). For
many Boxer fanciers, our whole lives revolve around our dogs. If you’ve ever
lived with a JKD-affected Boxer, you’ll know that avoiding inbreeding and
passing on the stud dogs and brood bitches that have produced offspring diagnosed with JKD is the
very <i>least </i>we can do for our wonderful breed until a gene test is available. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">VZ</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A 2017 Update on JKD
& ARVC Research</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">By Virginia Zurflieh, <st1:place w:st="on">Scarborough</st1:place>
Boxers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">The Boxer community is a
pretty tight-knit group of people, especially the breeders/owners/exhibitors in
the English-speaking part of the world. And these days, most serious breeders
have made themselves conversant with basic genetics as it applies to breeding
Boxers. Our newfound familiarity with terms like “recessive,” “dominant,”
“chromosomes” and “alleles” is due to a large extent to the persistence of
British geneticist and Boxer breeder Dr. Bruce Cattanach in searching for a
solution to various canine hereditary diseases, of which Boxers suffer more
than their fair share. In fact, some genetic diseases and conditions, like ARVC
and JKD, are forms of heart and kidney disease that afflict <i>only </i>Boxers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Although already well-known
to breeders in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region> and <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>, Dr Cattanach has most recently become familiar to
Americans and Canadians by seeking out researchers working on studies that are
aimed at eliminating those two often fatal “Boxer” diseases and persuading
Boxer lovers to participate in the research via social media like Facebook. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">One of these studies, on
both JKD and ARVC, is ongoing at <st1:placename w:st="on">Cambridge</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype> in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region>, where
Professor Bill Amos is using new techniques to try to identify markers for JKD
and ARVC. He is working with DNA from c.1000 Boxers, 100+ of them from the <st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Prof Amos is still
accepting DNA samples from Boxers that have been diagnosed with ARVC or JKD
(called JRD or Juvenile Renal Dysplasia in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>). When I contacted him a week
ago to ask if he wanted DNA from two recently diagnosed JKD cases of which I had
just been made aware, he replied, <b>“Definitely!
Every case is desperately sad but worth its weight in gold.” So if you are
unfortunate enough to own a puppy diagnosed with JKD/JRD or a Boxer diagnosed with
ARVC and you wish to participate in Prof. Amos’ study, just email me at
vzboxers@gmail.com and I’ll see that you get supplies and instructions and will
send the completed kits to Prof. Amos at Cambridge. As always, the names of
dogs and owners are held in strict confidence. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">A second study, on ARVC, is
being conducted by pediatric cardiologist & researcher </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Dr Robert Hamilton
at the Hospital for Sick Children in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Toronto</st1:city></st1:place>. </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">Dr Cattanach had previously
collaborated with Dr Hamilton on an ARVC study that resulted in a co-authored journal
paper that provided evidence that striatin, the gene identified by Dr Kate
Meurs, was NOT the gene responsible for ARVC. But in the current ARVC study, </span><b style="font-family: Arial;">Dr Hamilton, in Dr Cattanach’s words,”…has
made a finding that I consider a breakthrough for Boxer breeders. It is what
one might call a biochemical test for developing ARVC with the potential of
recognizing the disease BEFORE clinical symptoms appear.” “This is not a gene
test but should serve breeders well as a simple diagnostic test for the
disease.”</b><span style="font-family: "arial";"> From Bruce Cattanach’s lips to God’s ears.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Previously, only one
American dog in Professor Amos’ study had been diagnosed with JKD, but several
were being treated for ARVC. It was relatively simple to put the owners of the
ARVC-affected Boxers in touch with Dr Hamilton, whose staff then sent them
blood/serum collection and shipping supplies. Dr Hamilton has paused his study
while he publishes a paper and seeks funding to expand it, but I’ll continue to
post updates on both research projects as I receive them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">At this point, I’d like to
express my thanks to the many dedicated Boxer owners who participated with
their Boxers in this research. I’ve been coordinating the submission of DNA
swabs from the <st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region> & <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> to
Professor Amos for over a year now, and have seen the dramatic response
firsthand, with several owners submitting DNA for 7 or 8 dogs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><b>Kudos</b></st1:city><b>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region></b></st1:place><b> & Canadian Boxer people – you’re the
best!</b></span><b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-73243193937972282912016-10-16T11:13:00.000-07:002016-10-16T11:16:25.682-07:00THE 2016 ABC IN REVIEW: What a difference a year makes!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">The Show<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">Actually, this edition of
the BU Blog is more a review of the progress made by our parent club since July
1, 2015 (when the new officers & board took office) than a critique of the
show, which was as always, the greatest Boxer show on earth! There was only one
glitch to detract from the usual seamless transition from one part of the
week-long ABC spectacle to the next, but it was a pretty notable one: The Sunday specialty, which was supposed to
be a limited-entry show, ended up with 289 entries (BOB didn’t start till 6:30
pm Sunday evening!). As a result, the popular Sunday afternoon Greater
Cincinnati Boxer Club puppy match had to be canceled, the Top 20 handlers’
planning meeting had to be rescheduled, and many exhibitors and handlers had to
forego the ABC hospitality/karaoke event scheduled for Sunday evening in order
to feed and exercise their dogs after an exhausting 10+ hours in the ring. Hopefully,
that won’t happen again, but since being tapped for one of the pre-ABC
specialty slots boosts an ABC member club’s prestige as well as its treasury,
the ABC Board might consider rotating that privilege among all the member clubs
that would like to have a shot at putting on the pre-ABC Saturday or Sunday
show. Perhaps the Greater Cincinnati BC should be given first dibs on the
Sunday slot next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">The Rest of the Story<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">When the new officers and
board assumed their positions on July 1<sup>st</sup> of 2015, there were a
number of controversies, large and small, that had been swirling around the
annual show for literally decades. And it’s no secret that there has been an
ongoing battle between “traditionalist” and “modernist” factions in the club
for many years, too. For example, the issue of whether performance events and
exhibitors (obedience, agility, etc) should be as integral a part of the ABC as
conformation competition was settled only a few years ago when a big majority
of the membership who responded to the ABC Boxer Herding Survey supported the
addition of AKC Herding to the events in which Boxers could officially compete.
After the results of the survey were made public, the ABC Board voted to apply
for the official admission of Boxers to AKC Herding events over only a few objections
from dissenting board members, and performance exhibitors are now taking their
rightful place as an important part of what is, after all, a working dog club. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">Then in 2015/16, a new ABC
President and Board took another giant step toward acknowledging working Boxers
by giving the membership a vote on changing the ABC Bylaws to allow people that
compete in performance events with an ILP/PAL number rather than an AKC
registration to become ABC members. In the days before the ABC Code of Ethics
allowed white Boxers to be registered with an AKC Limited Registration, many
performance people had to resort to an ILP (now PAL) listing to be able to
compete with their dogs in AKC Obedience & Agility, even when their dogs
were purebred Boxers from show breeders. ABC members approved that bylaws
change by a big majority.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">The 2015/16 board took another
giant step toward the 21<sup>st</sup> Century by proposing a change in the ABC
Code of Ethics that gave complete equity to colored and white pet puppies.
Happily, that change was also approved by a big majority of the ABC membership.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">But perhaps the biggest 2015/16 ABC achievement, particularly in light of the ABC’s reputation as a very
secretive organization, was the creation of <i>In
The Know</i>, an online ABC newsletter that has completely revolutionized how
the ABC communicates with its membership. IMO, <i>In
The Know </i>is the best thing that’s happened to the ABC in ages, and goes a
long way toward making the club a more open, progressive organization capable
of confronting and beating back the anti-animal fanatics who have had such a
negative effect on local and state laws and policies that govern hobby breeders. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">Of course, there were a few
decisions that weren’t unequivocally positive OR negative, like the board vote
to keep the annual show in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state>
for at least five years. On the one hand, that decision ended literally years
of open dissension among eastern and western members and the accompanying
annual social media wars; on the other hand the huge difficulty and expense for
western-most ABC members of bringing their dogs to the National Specialty,
Futurity & Top 20 has still not been addressed. Perhaps another new
innovation implemented this past year – live streaming – will help a bit, but
as anyone who has competed with his/her own dog at the National knows, live
streaming is a very poor second to actually being there. Here’s hoping the ABC
ultimately decides to follow the lead of most other big parent clubs and goes
to a roving national specialty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, there are a few
other inequities – like the $400 apiece bistro tables that take up one whole
long side of the show ring and appear to be available only on a sort of
quasi-hereditary basis – but if the board continues to be more responsive to its
general membership, issues like that may go the way of the dodo. Again, we can
hope… </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-67692784752001461802015-02-16T13:43:00.000-08:002015-02-16T13:58:12.715-08:00New Information on ARVC<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">We're not going to rehash the debate here about
whether Dr Kate Meurs’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">ARVC-1 test identifies Boxers that do or don't have the
gene for ARVC. That controversy has been ongoing since shortly after Dr Meurs
announced her discovery and test in 2009 and I think we’re all sick of arguing
about it. Instead, Dr Bruce Cattanach's announcement & peer reviewed journal paper
(just published online a few days ago) can speak for itself. Please read the
paper at the link below, check out the qualifications of the paper’s author and co-authors and discuss it with your own cardiologist. IMO, this is the most
hopeful news </span><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px;">we've</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> had about ARVC for a long, long time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">vz<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">ARVC News from Dr Bruce
Cattanach:</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have some answers on problems that have been experienced with
Kate Meurs’ striatin test for Boxer ARVC and which I think will be of interest
particularly to American breeders. These are provided in a substantively
peer reviewed paper submitted to a highly regarded British veterinary journal
and formally published online yesterday. It can be accessed at:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/vr.102821">http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/vr.102821</a> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">or through use of a toll free link: <a href="http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/cgi/rapidpdf/vr.102821?ijkey=0UH8NRSls1UFxBv&keytype=ref" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/cgi/rapidpdf/vr.102821?ijkey=0UH8NRSls1UFxBv&keytype=ref</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">The bottom line message is that striatin is NOT the gene for
ARVC but it lies very close to the true ARVC locus on the same chromosome where
it can separate from it by meiotic recombination. This accounts for the
evident association between the striatin mutation and the disease in some dogs
but its absence in others, and also the existence of permanently disease-free
lines of dogs that carry the striatin mutation even in the homozygous
condition. A major point is that the findings basically accord well with
those of Meurs but, with the extra genetic evidence provided by the pedigree
assessment, a different interpretation is demanded. Several other points
of interest also emerged.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Although the study does not identify the true ARVC mutation, my
hope is that the findings will trigger further research upon the region
involved such that either the true ARVC gene, or maybe DNA markers that are
tightly enough linked to it to serve the equivalent role, will be found.
Any such work will have to be conducted in American Boxers as ARVC is no longer
evident in the show section of the breed in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Bruce Cattanach<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="mailto:bcattanach@steynmere.freeserve.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">bcattanach@steynmere.freeserve.co.uk</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.steynmere.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.steynmere.co.uk</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-82245694309172877482014-12-19T11:16:00.000-08:002014-12-19T11:24:01.301-08:00JUVENILE KIDNEY DISEASE (JKD): A PETITION TO THE UK BOXER BREED COUNCIL<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Editor’s note: I sincerely hope that every health
conscious Boxer fancier in the world will read the plea of British Boxer
breeder Sheila Cartwright below, and will sign the petition printed at the
bottom of this page. Juvenile Kidney Dysplasia (JKD), known here in the US as
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia, has been reported all over the world – in Europe,
Scandinavia, the US (a case was just diagnosed in my home state of Florida) and
even in Australia & New Zealand. This is not just a <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region></st1:place> problem. British Boxers are
popular on every continent, in large part because the UK Boxer community has
always responded with alacrity to health concerns. JKD should not be an
exception. VZ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.6pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.6pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Petition to the Boxer Breed Council on JKD<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">There has been much concern over JKD (Juvenile
Kidney Dysplasia) during the last few years with not all convinced that it is
hereditary. The same was true back in 2002 when cardiomyopathy came to
attention. In 2006 a petition was sent to Breed Council, supported by Boxer
owners requesting them to set up a Health Committee to look into this and other
diseases. I was a member of that committee and at the first meeting we drew up
a list of Boxer health problems.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="textexposedshow">To add to the obvious ones, I put forward kidney-related
diseases as I had become aware of several fatal kidney disease issues with a
wide variety of veterinary diagnoses – i.e. kidney failure, polycystic kidneys,
undeveloped organs and also UTI’s – over quite a large number of litters. It
will never be known if any of these were JKD but the committee agreed to put
this on the agenda. Obviously cardiomyopathy took precedence and nothing further
was done about kidney disease until the issue of cardiomyopathy was resolved.
Shortly after that, members of the committee changed and a new chairman was
appointed.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Subsequently we have been made aware of a juvenile Boxer
kidney disease (JKD). The number of British and foreign cases reported is large
and it has become clear that the disease is inherited and widely spread
throughout the breed. Attempts are being made in several countries to find the
gene responsible but it seems this is not as easy as was first hoped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Without pedigree information it has been
difficult for Boxer breeders to be convinced that this kidney problem is
inherited, and when breeding they do not know which way to turn. The only
pedigrees officially published are from cases reported in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sweden</st1:place></st1:country-region>. From
these it seems unlikely that any clear lines exist anywhere but there will be
clear animals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I think that, as we have done in the past with
other serious Boxer genetic health problems – e.g., PA and BCM – publication of
the pedigrees of animals that have developed JKD would convince breeders that
JKD is inherited and allow them to breed more safely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">This is not a witch hunt. Several breeders
have already withdrawn producing stock from breeding. This is the right way to
go. Just remember, <b>the existence of the
gene is nobody’s fault, but to knowingly perpetuate it definitely is</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">A petition is now online requesting Breed
Council to authorise the release of pedigrees to everyone and I would urge all
Boxer breeders in all countries to sign it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Here is the link for the petition:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/juvenile-kidney-disease-jkd-a-petition-to-the" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.ipetitions.com/…/juvenile-kidney-disease-jkd-a-p…</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Sheila Cartwright (Tyegarth)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">JUVENILE
KIDNEY DISEASE (JKD):<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">A
PETITION TO THE <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region>
BOXER BREED COUNCIL<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="expand"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; text-transform: uppercase;"><a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/juvenile-kidney-disease-jkd-a-petition-to-the"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">It is
now 4 years since Boxer JKD came to attention in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Because the disease was
immediately seen to be widely spread and the mode of inheritance was not yet
clear, the only advice given to breeders was to avoid inbreeding. Breed Council
decided that pedigrees should not be made public.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Since
then, the mode of inheritance has largely clarified, and the disease has been
recognized throughout the breed, not only in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Britain</st1:country-region>
but also throughout Europe and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
Tragically, it has also reached <st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region>
and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New Zealand</st1:place></st1:country-region>
through British exports.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Several
European research groups and one American group are attempting to find the gene
for JKD, but there is no expectation that the gene will be found quickly and a
test developed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">In <st1:country-region w:st="on">Sweden</st1:country-region>, the pedigrees of affected litters are
published and it is recommended that JKD producers should be withdrawn from
further breeding, but in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region>
nothing is being done to help breeders. Rather, the withholding of pedigrees,
coupled with the low detected incidence of affected animals, has meant that
breeders are barely convinced that JKD is inherited<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">For
this reason, we, the undersigned Boxer breeders, owners and exhibitors,
petition the UK Boxer Breed Council to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">a</span></b><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">. request all
JKD-producing Boxers be withdrawn from breeding, as also sibs of affected pups,
and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">b</span></b><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">.authorise, with
owners’ permission, the publication of pedigrees of affected litters to ensure
that everyone can see that JKD is inherited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
fact that JKD is now seen to be a problem in Boxers world-wide will minimize
concern that breeders will attempt to breed to supposed clear lines and so
reduce the size of the already-diminished gene pool. There are no
unquestionable clear lines although there will be many clear dogs in all lines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">NB
–<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i></b><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">when signing it would be
appreciated if you could add your affix after your surname and country, many
thanks.</span></b><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Respectfully
submitted 14/10/2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Here is a link to the petition:</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 11.6pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/juvenile-kidney-disease-jkd-a-petition-to-the" target="_blank">http://www.ipetitions.com/…/juvenile-kidney-disease-jkd-a-p…</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-17538720834176552302014-11-05T07:42:00.000-08:002014-11-05T09:10:53.404-08:00A "Commercial" Thanksgiving, Starring...Bungee!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Editor’s note: About a year ago, I sold a plain
fawn puppy dog (“Tonka”) from my last litter to Kate Connick, who already had a
neat assortment of dogs, including “Bungee,” the big white boxer with the fawn
eye patch pictured below. Kate is a real dog person, and her dogs are not only
beautifully trained, but also participate in her very athletic lifestyle in the
tiny <st1:placetype w:st="on">village</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Ardsley</st1:placename>,
<st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state> –
hiking, swimming, herding, you name it! As befits such well-trained canines,
they also participate in photo-shoots for magazines, TV shows and commercials
and are all-round fantastic ambassadors for our breed. Below is Kate’s account
of Bungee’s latest “commercial” endeavor.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">A “Commercial” Thanksgiving,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Starring…Bungee! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Bungee was at it again with another shoot
yesterday. This one for a brand of chewy dog treats. The company ad reps
saw Bungee on John Oliver’s show & said, "Ooo, he's our
dog!" The shoot was at somebody's house that had been rented for the
purpose – not a studio. Two photographers took stills and video all
day. They told me that the theme of the product is related to dogs being
regular dogs, so Bungee was basically supposed to misbehave throughout.
The material they got is intended for a social media promotion. I think
the idea was to show what a dog goes through at Thanksgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The photographers loved Bungee. They
were also shooting a Berger Picard who has the look of a cuddly family dog, but
was apparently more business-like and less touchy-feely than Bungee. The
Berger was their "main" dog, because of his really adorable appearance. (They might have been using him for a TV commercial, but I'm not
sure.) Beautiful dog! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The funny thing is that various cast members
(and the homeowner) kept coming over and cuddling with Bungee and telling me
how much they liked him. It figures! I think the expectation is that a
muppety-looking dog like the Berger should be a big stuffed animal, and a
formidable-looking boxer should be a thug, so Bungee was a pleasant surprise
for them (but not for boxer owners, of course). "Bungee is soooo
sweet. THIS is the kind of dog I should have! But...I guess
that takes a lot of training, huh?" I tell people how much exercise
he gets, and they look sort of confused – mountain hiking, swimming, sheep
herding? He comes by those muscles honestly! That being said, he really
IS a sweet, mellow boxer. We were there all day, and they took tons
of footage. I think Bungee was more tired than when we climbed mountains
in July & September! He was limp by the time we got home last night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">First thing in the morning, the photographers
wanted shots of him running towards the camera. That was easy and he enjoyed
it. Simple stay & recall, over and over and over, in the
backyard. My sister Peggy, who came along to help when more than two hands were needed, said they
commented on how fast he was. They also wanted him nosing the camera
lens, which was a slobbery mess, but they seemed happy about that. I
can’t imagine how they could’ve gotten anything they could use – Bungee was
sliming their Canon lenses in a big way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Next, they wanted him playing with a football
(piece of cake). They brought out two little kids who had completely
ignored the dog inside. The first thing the kids announced was how they
hate football (and they didn't seem too into dogs, either). But it didn't take
long before they were hysterically laughing and chasing Bungee as he ran around
in circles, teasing them with the football he'd stolen from them. He was
really sweet with them. Bungee would lie down, let them take the ball,
and then attack the ball with gusto when they threw it. I'm sure they got
some good shots of that stuff. The football looked pretty war-torn
by the time we were done. The photographers also wanted him to paw at the back
door to let himself in, but Bungee is kind of polite, so he wasn't going for it
initially. He quickly got the idea, though, and ultimately was throwing
himself at the door and blasting it open, so the photogs got just what they
wanted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">We moved to the front yard. The kids threw
leaves at his head, buried him in leaves, and continued to be silly.
Truth be told, Bungee looked pretty miserable; he wasn't exactly loving that
part. Even so, he was a good sport. In the afternoon, other outdoor
shots in the front yard had even more kids playing with him with a small,
orange ball. They were throwing it, often straight up in the air, and
he'd run laps around them before lying down and waiting for them to take it and
throw it again. They got some shots of kids petting him, too, although
the kids were all a bit intimidated by his size and strength. Amusingly,
the women who owned the house fell in love with Bungee. She said she's
not a "dog person," but was totally smitten. She kept inviting
her friends over to meet him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The photographers also took a couple of shots of
him eating their product. Lots of spit and slobber. They liked his
drooliness. I was surprised that they didn't take more shots like that,
but they only got a couple of snapshots on the front porch of one woman feeding
him treats. I think the dog treats were made of chicken, but I'm not sure
– they may have been promoting turkey treats for Thanksgiving? I was too
focused on the dog to pay much attention. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">There were also shots of kids walking him down
the sidewalk themselves, and they got the entire "Thanksgiving
family" together on the front porch for a family photo type of situation,
in which the dog is supposed to misbehave. Bungee was supposed to not sit
still politely, so I'd call him out of the photo, they'd call him back and try
to position him, and I'll call him out again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Indoors, they had Bungee rummaging through shoes
left by the front door. He sat awkwardly in a little girl's lap
while she tried to see over him to watch the TV. He sat in the kitchen,
ostensibly looking up at a grocery bag with the treats in it, but that was
hard, because his eyes tend to be glued to me. I think they might have
gotten some shots of him looking over his shoulder with streams of drool coming
down instead. He does a good "woe is me; I'm a starving
orphan" face. Then the photographers had Bungee sitting by the
Thanksgiving turkey while it was being carved, staring at the turkey and
drooling. Photographer: "Drool is crucial here." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Another indoor scenario had an arm throwing a
coat on a bed where other coats were lying. Bungee was supposed to jump
up and lie on the coats. The bed was the highest bed I'd ever seen!
He'd jump up and lie down easily (Bungee <i>loves</i>
comfort). So then they asked if he could turn a circle like dogs do
before they lie down. Uh... okay? So I'd have him jump up, spin in
a circle, lie down, and drop his chin. I have no idea if it looks
authentic, but he's a really good sport about doing what I ask of him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">I think (?) that's pretty much everything.
The photographers were taking shots of him all day, and Bungee was
enjoying being petted and fussed-over. The very last thing they did was
for their own amusement. He gave one of the (two, young, blonde, female)
photographers his trademark "hug" (paws over her shoulders, licking
her face), and the other photographer said, "Wait! Wait! I need to
get that! It's so cute." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Anyway, they seemed really happy with the big
guy. He was an angel. This was at a regular house, so we were
working outside with no leash or fence, near an active sidewalk and (quiet)
road, with neighbors and dogs and other distractions. He's a good
guy. I think having a chance to play with a bunch of sugared up kids was
just one big party for Bungee. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Today, Bungee is sound asleep with Tonka
lying next to him, snuggled up to his back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-45802783907289950302014-06-12T06:45:00.000-07:002014-06-12T06:45:47.373-07:00ABC MEMBERS: A Call to Action!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The most
important decision an ABC member can make regarding the ABC shows – the
Futurity, National and Regional – is nominating and electing the judges for
those events. Unfortunately, when it came to the 2015 Regional nominations, the ABC blew it.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Here’s what
happened: The ABC Judges Selection Committee (JSC) posted the criteria listed
at the bottom of this page (Appendix A) to the ABC website sometime in February
2014. These judging criteria were also included in the nomination packets for
the 2015 Regional that were mailed to every ABC member and member club in March
or April. Take a look at Item 2 in Appendix A, and then look at Tom Latta’s
analysis of how these criteria would have affected past judge selections (Tom's analysis is also at
the bottom of this page). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Now look at
Item 5 in Appendix A: “Must not have judged the Futurity, Regional BOB and ABC
National BOB within the 10 years prior to his or her nomination <u>for any
assignment</u>.” That means that the judge who did the Futurity this year
cannot be considered for the National or Regional till at least 2024, even if
she applies for an AKC judge’s license today! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">But that’s
not the worst of it. Not only is Criterion 5 absurd, </span></span><u style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">it’s not the requirement
the board approved</u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">! Somehow, in translating those criteria from the
boardroom to the website, the wording became hopelessly scrambled. On top of
all that, apparently the JSC has known for a while that the wording was not
correct, but even though the deadline for the 2015 Regional nominations was May
31, 2014, an “explanation” </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">wasn't</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> posted to the website till May 29. Also,
there’s no link to the explanation from the criteria </span></span><u style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">and the unapproved
judging criteria are STILL on the website!</u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Oh yes, and only five (5)
nominations were received for the 2015 Regional. If you’ll take another look at
Tom Latta’s analysis, you can see why. A nomination would require some serious
research, and most people simply don’t have the time to do that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">You know,
everyone makes mistakes and everyone realizes that the ABC directors and
committee chairs are unpaid volunteers. But the Judges Selection Committee has
been working on these criteria for over two years! And actually, the only thing
ABC members asked them to do in the first place was to set a reasonable limit
(5 years? 7 years?) on how often someone could judge each of the three ABC
conformation events. <b>At the very least, these criteria should be removed from
the website while they’re being revised, and once </b></span><b><span style="font-size: 15px;">they've</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> been revised, </span></b></span><u style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><b>the
membership should be allowed to vote on them</b></u><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>. </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Bottom line: The 2015 Regional
nominations need to be reopened ASAP. If
the board can’t come to a swift consensus, then the ABC President needs to make
an executive decision. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Email your
ABC directors and let them know that you want input into this supremely
important ABC policy: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Barry Wyerman
<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:wyerbr@sbcglobal.net" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">wyerbr@sbcglobal.net</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Beth
Downey
<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:amityhallboxers@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">amityhallboxers@yahoo.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bridget J. Brown
<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:jackeye@bellsouth.net" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">jackeye@bellsouth.net</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bruce & Judy
Voran <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:bjvoran@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">bjvoran@gmail.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Diane Kowalchyk-Morris <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:aboxabiz@aol.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">aboxabiz@aol.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ginny Shames
<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:Arribatali@aol.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Arribatali@aol.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jill Hootman
<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:tealcrst@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">tealcrst@gmail.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Karen Emerson
<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:kaemerso2003@yahoo.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">kaemerso2003@yahoo.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Korinne
Vanderpool <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:korvpool@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">korvpool@gmail.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Abel
<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:strybkbox@aol.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">strybkbox@aol.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Middagh
<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:lrmboxers@comcast.net" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">lrmboxers@comcast.net</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sharon Steckler
<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:steckler@swbell.net" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">steckler@swbell.net</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Stephanie
Abraham <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:landmarks.properties@snet.net" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">landmarks.properties@snet.net</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Teresa Kaminski
<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:tckaminski@sbcglobal.net" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">tckaminski@sbcglobal.net</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: Tahoma, verdana, arial; height: 38px; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="product_txt" style="background: rgb(40, 45, 41); border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 6px; color: white; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; height: 44px; padding-left: 17px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: middle;">APPENDIX A<br />CRITERIA FOR JUDGES FOR THE ABC NATIONAL SPECIALTY, REGIONAL & FUTURITY</td></tr>
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<tr><td height="292" style="color: #292929;" valign="top"><div style="font-size: 11px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Judges wishing to judge the ABC National Specialty, <span style="color: #c00000;">Regional or Futurity</span> must meet the criteria set out below. If at any time a Judge fails to meet the criteria, including the time period after their selection and before the assignment, he or she will forfeit the assignment and the Judge receiving the 2nd most votes will be awarded the assignment; similarly, the Judge receiving the 3rd most votes will be awarded the remaining classes.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">No Judge will be placed before the ABC membership as a candidate who does not meet each of the following criteria.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A candidate:</span></div>
<ol style="font-size: 11px;">
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Must be an AKC-approved regular status Judge in good standing with no disciplinary issues with AKC in the past 10 years.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Must have been an AKC-approved regular status Judge for at least 5 years prior to their nomination and have judged at least 3 shows with MAJORS in the Boxers.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Must not be a permit Judge, active handlers, or Boxer breeder who is not AKC approved regular status judge.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Must not have judged the Boxer breed in the US within 6 months of the ABC assignment and cannot judge in the regional cluster prior to the nationals.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Must not have judged the Futurity, Regional BOB and ABC National BOB within the 10 years prior to his or her nomination for any assignment.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Must abide by Ethics and Honesty, Conflict of Interest and Gray Areas in <a href="https://images.akc.org/pdf/rulebooks/REJ999.pdf" target="_blank">AKC Guidelines for Conformation of Dog Show Judges</a> (pages 2 - 5). Furthermore, once nominated, must not have posted comments on social media or other public venue.<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Must abide by the AKC one year period for co-ownership restriction. (<a href="http://images.akc.org/pdf/rulebooks/RREGS3.pdf" target="_blank">Rules Applying to Dog Shows</a> -- (Chapter 11, Section 13).<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Must, if selected, excuse any dogs, handlers or exhibitors upon entrance to the ring when a possible conflict of interest or unfair advantage appears to be present. (AKC guidelines will be used.)<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">Must provide written critique of their judging to the ABC before any publications in print or online.</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="font-size: 11px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px;">
Nominators must personally assure that candidates who are nominated to judge the National Specialty or Regional meet the criteria in this document. The nominators must supply a statement signed by their nominated candidate that the candidate meets these criteria. Additional reviews may be done at the discretion of the ABC Judges Screening Committee.</div>
<div align="center" style="font-size: 11px;">
<b>NOTE: Criteria 1, 2 and 3 do not apply to a Futurity nomination.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Tom Latta's analysis of the judging criteria:</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24pt;">How would the current
criteria have affected past judge selections?</span></div>
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<b>Year<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Show<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Judge<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Qualified if 2014
Criteria had been applied?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2003</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Futurity</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christine Baum</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2003</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Bitches & Breed)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Betty Mentzer</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2003</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Dogs)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cindy Meyer</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (approved Boxers 9/8/2000, ineligible under Criteria
#2)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2004</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Futurity</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Melvin Holloman</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2004</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Bitches & Breed)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stephanie Abraham</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2004</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Dogs)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tom Hutchings</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2004</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Regional</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Janet Sinclair</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (approved Boxers 12/10/1999, ineligible under Criteria
#2) </div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2005</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Futurity</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert Phillips</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2005</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Bitches & Breed)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Billie McFadden</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2005</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Dogs)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dixie McCauley</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unknown</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2005</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Regional</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sandy Orr</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (approved Boxers 6/10/2004, ineligible under Criteria
#2)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2006</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Futurity</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gary Steele</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2006</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Dogs & Breed)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monika Pinsker</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2006</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Bitches)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Larry Sinclair</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2006</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Regional</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jack Ireland</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2007</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Futurity</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Daniel Buchwald</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (judged 1998 Futurity, ineligible under Criteria #5)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2007</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Bitches & Breed)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alberto Berrios</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2007</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Dogs)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sandy Orr</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2007</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Regional</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Judith Voran</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (approved Boxers 7/9/2003, ineligible under Criteria
#2)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2008</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Futurity</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Virginia Shames</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2008</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Dogs & Breed)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Janet Sinclair</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2008</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Bitches)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rufus Burleson</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2008</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Regional</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maureen Boyd</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2009</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Futurity</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mary Lou Hatfield</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2009</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Dogs & Breed)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elizabeth Gunter</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2009</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Bitches)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pat Healy</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (approved Boxers 4/10/2007, ineligible under Criteria
#2)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2009</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Regional</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Larry Sinclair</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2009</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Regional</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sharon Steckler</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (approved Boxers 3/12/2008, ineligible under Criteria
#2)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2010</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Futurity</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clifford Steele</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2010</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Dogs & Breed)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jack Ireland</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes </div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2010</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Bitches)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tom Perret</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2010</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Regional</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Patricia Mullen</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (approved Boxers 6/15/2005, ineligible under Criteria
#2)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2011</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Futurity</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael Shepherd</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2011</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Bitches & Breed)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shirley Bell</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (approved Boxers 8/6/2006, ineligible under Criteria
#2)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2011</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Dogs)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sharon Steckler</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (approved Boxers 3/12/2008, ineligible under Criteria
#2)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2011</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Regional</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sandy Orr</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (judged 2005 Regional, ineligible under Criteria #5)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Futurity</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bridget Brown</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Bitches & Breed)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peter Baynes</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Dogs)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
David Abraham</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Regional</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cheryl Robbins</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2013</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Futurity</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wendy J Morawski</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2013</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Bitches & Breed)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alberto Berrios</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (judged Breed @ <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>2007 National,
ineligible under Criteria #5) </div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2013</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Dogs)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ann Gilbert</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (approved Boxers 1/13/2009, ineligible under Criteria
#2)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2013</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Regional</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joe Gregory</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Futurity</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tami Mishler</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Dogs & Breed)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Butch Engel</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC National (Bitches)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pat Mullen</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.0in;" valign="top" width="96">
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.5in;" valign="top" width="240">
<div class="MsoNormal">
ABC Regional</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Evalyn Gregory</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 4.5in;" valign="top" width="432">
<div class="MsoNormal">
No (approved Boxers 4/1/2013, ineligible under Criteria
#2)</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px;">
Based on the above analysis, the newly established 2014
Judge Selection Criteria would have had the following effect over the past 11
years:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px;">
1 of the last 12 Futurity Judges would have been ineligible</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px;">
7 of the last 13 Regional Judges would have been ineligible</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px;">
6 of the last 24 National Judges would have been ineligible </div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-18957748703303159162014-06-03T17:55:00.000-07:002014-06-04T07:38:04.136-07:00An Open Letter to the American Boxer Club Board of Directors<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dear ABC
Directors,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">For many of
us, the 2014 ABC Specialty and Futurity gave rise to wildly mixed emotions: a) <i>excitement</i>
– because the depth of quality in some classes made for tough decisions as breeders
and owners sat on the edge of their seats waiting for the judge to point to #’s
1-2-3-4; b) <i>elation - </i>because all
three judges did a great job and a win or class placement at the ABC National
always makes all the effort and expense of getting to the show seem worthwhile;
c) <i>frustration</i> – because sometimes, board decisions seem to be
lacking in common sense and any thought about how the decision will affect ABC members; and d) <i>dread</i> – because allowing the club to become involved in an acrimonious
personal dispute that resulted in the expulsion of three longtime ABC members cast
a pall over the whole show and will almost surely result in an ugly, expensive,
unwinnable lawsuit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Unfortunately,
there’s no longer any point in debating the last issue – we can only sit back
and wait for the other shoe to drop. On the other hand, since the board is
meeting regularly now via conference call rather than just twice a year, there’s
plenty of time and opportunity for the directors to address the other issues
before the next ABC rolls around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Follow the money:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">President Barry
Wyerman announced early in the membership meeting on Wednesday evening that the
club had lost $27,000 last year and is slated to lose money again this year.
How much money no one knows, but club finances are apparently so shaky that the
board decided to hold off on donations to the ABCF, Boxer Rescue and other
organizations to which the club usually contributes until after the Regional
board meeting, “when<span style="background: white; color: #292929;"> we will have
a better picture of our finances</span>.“ The president also announced that the
ABC has “gone digital” to try to stem the tide of cash that was needed for printing
and mailing the <i>Bulletin</i>, the <i>ABC Membership Directory</i> and the judges’
& directors’ bios and other info that always accompanied the ballots.
Welcome to the 21<sup>st</sup> Century, ABC! Perhaps it’s time to think about creating a
budget, too?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">What do the members want, anyway?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> In another attempt to make up for
the huge financial losses of the last two years, the president announced that
the “bistro” tables that are set up in two tiers on one long side of the ring
(4 chairs at each table) – the best seats in the house by far – will now cost
$300 each, and the front row seats on the opposite side of the ring will be
sold next year for $50 apiece for the week. I think most ABC goers realize that
the poor economy means reduced income for the club and recognize that the
board, regardless of how we got here, must attempt to offset those losses. And
I think everyone understands that there aren’t enough bistro tables and front
row seats to go around. But considering that the seating in the ballroom at the
Wyndham is inadequate and that the ABC will be there through 2016, the board
must find a way to allocate the tables fairly – an annual lottery or drawing? –
that will give everyone who wants one of those tables an equal chance of
getting one. Same with the front row seats: set a limit and don’t allow one
person to buy up 5-10 seats with the idea of distributing them among his
friends when he arrives late Monday afternoon just in time for the Top 20. People
were very angry this year when they were told that a select group of people had
been given first refusal of the bistro tables…and people will be angry next
year if the folks who bought the tables this year are given the option of
renewing their “subscription” for 2015, while the rest of us languish
who-knows-how-far-down on a waiting list. I think $300 a table is a bit
excessive, so there may not be as many takers as tables after all; but
at least <i>try </i>to be fair… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Here comes the judge!</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Or maybe not. Aside from the
scarcity of good seats, the issue that gave rise to the most complaints from
just about everyone I talked to, including the many breeder judges in
attendance, was the utterly outrageous judges’ selection criteria that the board
approved for the ABC shows. Boxer judge
Terry Berrios wrote an excellent article on these criteria for <i>The Working Dog Digest</i>, pointing out how
downright unworkable most of them are. I still can’t believe that the board
actually <i>read</i> the following, never
mind approved it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The prospective judge must have
been an AKC regular judge for 5 years prior to his or her nomination. As
Terry pointed out, that means that it will probably be 6 or 7 years at the
least before a new Boxer judge – no matter how competent and popular – can
be nominated to judge the National or Regional. That is, if he or she
never judged the Futurity (please see the next criterion).<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The nominee must NOT have
judged the Futurity, Regional BOB and ABC National BOB within the 10 years
prior to his or her nomination for any assignment. Since most breeders
have largely curtailed their breeding activities by the time they apply
for a judging license and handlers </span><i style="font-size: 11pt;">can’t
</i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">apply for a license while they’re still handling, most new judges are
in their 50’s before </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">they've</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> fulfilled their provisional assignments. Case
in point: This year’s Futurity judge, who IMO did a wonderful job, will be
enjoying her “golden years” before she can be nominated to judge the 2024
Regional, even if she applies for a judging license today. If she does a
really great job at the 2024 Regional, she will be in her 70’s before she
can judge the ABC National in 2034! <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Once nominated, the nominee
must not have posted comments on social media or other public venue.” What
does that mean? That the nominee must not post a comment on FB about his
nephew’s graduation? About a cute puppy pic? About his/her own dog’s BISS?
That the SB-L and Showboxer Forum are off limits? What about the various
obedience and agility lists?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">To ensure
that the nominee will abide by these criteria (and the several other criteria I
didn’t mention), the nominator must supply a statement </span><i style="font-size: 11pt;">signed by the nominee</i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> that he or she meets the above criteria; and
if the winning candidate fails to meet any of the criteria before the
assignment, he will forfeit the assignment. Is there any part of those requirements
that </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">isn't</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> insulting and demeaning to a qualified, experienced judge…or </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">isn't</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> a
duplication of the AKC’s </span><i style="font-size: 11pt;">Rules, Policies
and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges</i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">? Why not just hand a copy
of that AKC pamphlet to everyone who’s elected to judge at the ABC and give
those judges a written test before they’re permitted to enter the ring?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">On May 29, ABC
secretary Sandy Orr sent a post to the ABC Members Only email list, the SB-L
and the SB-Forum, reminding ABC voters that the deadline for nominations for
the 2015 Regional was May 31. At that time, she had three nominations in hand.
When nominations closed, she had five. Only five nominees for the 2015
Regional. One wonders how many of the five will be approved to run, after being
scrutinized by the ABC Judges Selection Committee (JSC)? And whether the
candidate who’s elected to judge the 2015 Regional will manage to stay away
from Facebook, Twitter and all other social media between now and the fall or
winter of 2015?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Several members
complained about these judging criteria at the May 7 membership meeting this
year. President Barry Wyerman promised to address these concerns with the JSC
chairman and “report back.” But this argument about judges’ selection criteria
has been going on since the Regional membership meeting in 2012!!! ABC members
don’t need another report, we need some hands-on decision making by the board!
About a realistic budget; about a fair allocation of scarce resources, like the
seats with a clear view of the ring; and ASAP, about the absurd criteria by
which the members are expected to nominate and elect judges for the ABC
Futurity, Specialty & Regional. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Sincerely, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Virginia Zurflieh<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Scarborough</span></i></st1:place><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Boxers since 1973 <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-5718695241581268322014-04-13T14:52:00.000-07:002014-04-14T06:27:55.625-07:00AN OPEN LETTER TO ABC MEMBERS & ABC MEMBER CLUBS<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">If you are
an ABC member or an ABC member club member who is planning to attend the American Boxer Club National, please note that the annual membership meeting has been scheduled for
Wednesday evening, May 7 at 8:00 pm.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">At this
meeting, we will be asked by the ABC to vote on the expulsion from the American Boxer Club
of three longtime members, even though none of us has seen all the evidence
that resulted in the request for a vote on expulsion. The American Boxer Club has
published only one side of this issue on the ABC website – that of the ABC member who brought
charges of neglect of a dog against the three other ABC members. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
defendants in this case have not responded publicly to the charges, except to
say that they are innocent and that their attorney has advised them to say
nothing further. Of course, you may assume that their lack of a public response
is proof of guilt. A number of very vocal people have done just that in various
forms of social media. We have the right to do the same and let others make this decision for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">By the same
token, we also have the right to insist upon seeing all the evidence in this
case before we vote, so we can decide for ourselves whether or not the
defendants deserve expulsion. It is not unreasonable to want to see and
hear evidence from both sides before acting as judge and jury...in any
jurisdiction. In fact, that’s the way things are usually done in this country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Thank you
for listening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Virginia
Zurflieh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Past member
of the ABC Board of Directors (Class of 2012)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">vzboxers@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSV7L-cYlnIIO80JXvEaG6yGB3lkg_9Z3jLFU7fXUI-RaRODqWp_afMNsdNT-FQijXcLuU3rnFUEspyBHscdlIx0JLhYiyeehyphenhyphenEo-QRwx-ZvmoUx7jX7b8STvHjS1BGncVUsJ4QQ3aqjTR/s1600/Wrong+is+Wrong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSV7L-cYlnIIO80JXvEaG6yGB3lkg_9Z3jLFU7fXUI-RaRODqWp_afMNsdNT-FQijXcLuU3rnFUEspyBHscdlIx0JLhYiyeehyphenhyphenEo-QRwx-ZvmoUx7jX7b8STvHjS1BGncVUsJ4QQ3aqjTR/s1600/Wrong+is+Wrong.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-85496904163800971912013-10-01T14:27:00.000-07:002013-10-01T18:33:55.994-07:00Read Between the Lines – USDA Conference Call on New Rules for Retail Pet Stores <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Editors
note: <i>This week, we’re featuring a
humorous take on the new USDA/APHIS rules for retail pet sales from the </i>Time
4 Dogs<i> website (<a href="http://time4dogs.blogspot.com/">http://time4dogs.blogspot.com/</a>). Of
course, there’s nothing funny about AR groups like the HSUS and PETA, and
believe me, I know what a deadly serious threat the “well-meaning” folks at the
DDAL are to our right to own, breed and show our dogs. But I think you’ll
agree that this </i>Time 4 Dogs<i> satire
just highlights the extremism and illogical thinking of the Animal Rights
Movement in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">For an explanation of how the new APHIS
(Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) ruling will affect you, </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Time 4 Dogs<i> has a new blog in a more serious vein at the above link. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Read Between the lines – A Satire </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I've got the transcript in front of
me from the USDA conference call regarding the new rules for retail pet stores
that took place on Sept 10, 2013, thanks to the Sportsman and Animals Owners'
Voting Alliance! I've also listened to the recording of the call, courtesy of
The Cavalry Group. After examining the details of the call, I tried to imagine
how it might go with a "read-between-the-lines" interpretation. Here
we go!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Kevin</b>: Welcome, callers. After
suffering years of much yammering in our ears from scam groups like the Humane
Society of the United States, the Doris Day Animal League, the ASPCA and other
radical animal extremist groups, we are posting new rules limiting your
exemption from the Animal Welfare Act as a retailer of pets. Dogs, primarily, but
of course we will combine different species to "count against you" in
order to limit you further. We've discovered that 80% of breeders out there are
hobbyists and are escaping our iron fist. That will never do! We want them to
change to a business model.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The humaniac supporters of our new rules claim that USDA licensing is the
hallmark of a "puppy mill." We're not so sure about that, but we are
really listening to them. It seems that even though they don't like USDA
licensed breeders, they want to have thousands more of them. Go figure! But, we
need the money so we're anxious to get started. Why, they've already greased
the palms of the politicians who appoint us with millions of dollars! We are
DETERMINED to please them! Maybe we'll enjoy more of that sweet gravy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">We relied on the HSUS and other
animal fanatics to help write up these new rules, and they’ve decided that you
should be allowed no more than four female dogs on your premises. Any intact
bitch "counts against you" as long as she is not too old or too
young. But we will be the ones to decide whether she "counts against
you" or not! It's good to be queen, no? We don't bother with those pesky
little details like whether or not she is ever actually bred.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Furthermore, our good friends, the
humaniacs, insist that you must have a face-to-face meeting involving buyer,
seller and the pet when the transfer is made. This doesn't need to be at your
home, where you could be robbed at gunpoint or targeted by animal rights nuts
who enjoy turning breeders in to authorities for any infraction of rules or
laws, whether real or imagined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">No problem! You can meet in the Wal-Mart
parking lot. Just like all the people who sell sick dogs out of the backs of
their trucks that they brought up from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Mexico</st1:country-region></st1:place> a few days ago. You just go
ahead and model your business practices after them. Many of them claim to be
"rescues," so we can be sure that they are nobler than the rest of
humanity. We like those "rescues" because they don't intentionally
breed dogs. At least, we can't prove that they do, so no point in pursuing
them. They are exempt from any and all rules.<br />
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Even though all dogs shipped currently are examined by a veterinarian, we have
no confidence in the ability of a veterinarian to evaluate health. A veterinary
health certificate is useless, even though all airlines currently require one
to ship a dog. The buyer knows better than a veterinarian whether the pet is
healthy or not. Besides, we really don't care about health. It's all about
getting snitches into your home in our quest to stop you from breeding.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">We are fully aware that hundreds of
thousands of you oppose being brought under wholesale, commercial breeder
regulations. We also know of the many concerns you have and exactly WHY you are
opposed. We've read all of your comments, petitions and letters; but frankly,
WE DON'T CARE. These are the new rules. If you don't like them, then you can
just quit breeding dogs. Please.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">We are only here today to explain to
you, the BREEDERS who sell and ship sick, genetically defective pets to poor,
unsuspecting buyers, why you can't do that any more. We will answer your
questions if we feel like it. Regarding the questions we don't understand or
don't want to be truthful about? Well, we will simply hem, haw and hedge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Frankly, we don't like the fact that
the information superhighway has facilitated sales of pets. Things have just
been too easy lately for buyers and sellers. We prefer the days when people had
to rely on classified ads in newspapers or the back of magazines to sell pets.
That really put a crimp in pet sales, and we appreciated that. We really
thought it was terrible that Sears, Roebuck and Co. sold dogs by catalog, but
we could never figure out any way to "get" them for doing that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Until now, that is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">We initially provided estimates on
how many more breeders we thought we would be licensing, but we really doubt
that will happen. We know that most of you will give up your dog breeding entirely
or at least cut it back significantly. If you want to give USDA licensing a
whirl, we anticipate that you will need a one-time investment in an amount to
effectively double the size of your current mortgage, to convert your home into
a commercial kennel. Of course, your local zoning laws will prevent that
anyway, so don't worry! It's all good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">OK let's get right to those
questions! Who is first?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Susan from the Virginia Federation
of Dog Clubs and Breeders</b>: My dogs both
work in the field and are pets and are show dogs, too. Must I become USDA
licensed? What do you consider a "working dog" for purposes of
exemption?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Dr. Russian</b>: Let me get this
straight, you have a dog that does multiple things?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Susan</b>: Right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Dr. Russian</b>: Wow that's incredible!
Then you must keep separate kennels. Dogs that work must be kept separately
from dogs that are pets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Susan</b>: But it's the same breed. It's
the same dogs. All my dogs have multiple uses. They are retrievers, they hunt.
I don't keep them in kennels. They are house pets too. Would hunting dogs and
retrieving dogs be considered "working dogs" for purposes of
exemption?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Dr. Russian</b>: What a conundrum. I
really don't understand the concept of dogs having multiple uses and purposes.
I suggest you call me and run your "business model" past me. That way
I can figure out the best way to harass you, OK? And make sure to tell all the
other people in your group to call me, too! Next caller.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Roland from the National Finch and
Softbill Society</b>: Are birds exempt? What about birds or dogs bred to a breed
standard? How many comments opposed your new rules? Will the USDA contract out
their inspections?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Kevin</b>: Birds are exempt. That's why
we took your call. Geez, why did you have to ask other questions too? Who the
hell is screening these callers?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Well, let me try to tackle the other
questions, since this is probably all going on the record. We have no plans to
outsource inspections at this time. Why should we when we have HSUS lackeys
employed right here at the USDA for that purpose? No comment on how many
comments were submitted in opposition to the new rules. We frankly don't care.
As to standards, we have our own standards, and they are arbitrary and
capricious. That suits us just fine. We don't care about you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Roland</b>: Again, why are show
standards not taken into consideration?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Dr. Russian</b>: The rules are up, read
them and get back to me. We've already told you, we don't give a damn about
show standards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Sarah from HSUS and Doris Day Animal
League</b>: We are SO EXCITED that OUR new rules are going into effect!!! We only
hope that they can do enough damage to really cripple pet breeding here in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region> before this
gets challenged in court. Our group (DDAL) already tried to push retail hobby
breeders into the same regulations as wholesale, commercial breeders, but the
courts ruled that we couldn't do that. The nerve of those courts, upholding the
constitution! But that won't stop us from continuing on our crusade to ban
breeding! My question is, how will you make effective use of your time and
limited resources? How soon will you jump on board our bandwagon and
start reaching out to bitchslap some breeders?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Kevin</b>: Not to worry, Sarah and other
goodie two-shoes. We want to get to the most people as quickly as possible in
order to protect animals from being exploited as pampered pets. We will look
initially at those breeders we can catch who appear to have high volume, then
we will be happy to take complaints from humaniacs such as yourself. So we will
be depending on you guys from HSUS, DDAL, CAPS and other groups to help us out
here, OK? Please don't let us down!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Sarah</b>: We are ready, Kevin!! We
won't fail in our quest to shut down every dog breeder in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>! Thanks
again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Jennifer from the HTPCB</b>: What is the
definition of a "breeding bitch"?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Kevin</b>: It doesn't matter as long as
you let people into your home to inspect you. Why are you breeders so hung up
on definitions? We make the definitions up as we go along.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Dr. Russian</b>: Breeding FEMALE (oh I
just can't bring myself to use that "B" word!). I say, it's a dog
that can breed. Ultimately, we decide what does or does not "count against
you" for your numbers limit. End of story!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Cathy from Animal Welfare Institute</b>:
Hallelujah! Our prayers have been answered! New rules to put more pet breeders
out of business. I just want to be sure you cover each and every species of
pet. There is too much animal suffering, forcing them to be pets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Kevin</b>: Yes, don't worry. All species
of pets are covered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Cathy</b>: Whew! Thanks again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Tracy</b></span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b> from the HSUS</b>: We are thrilled that
those greedy, evil breeders will now be forced into the USDA system or quit
breeding entirely. Thrilled, I tell you! When can we get started?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Kevin: Well, by law, we have to wait
60 days to start enforcing any new rules. However, our motto here at the USDA
is "Why wait on legal technicalities?" Let's start right now looking
for people to harass by going through breed registries and looking at people
advertising on the internet. We hope they will voluntarily just give up
breeding on their own, or turn themselves in for enforcement, but if not,
don't worry, we'll be on the lookout for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Larry, President of North American
Falconers Association</b>: Are birds exempt?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Kevin</b>: Another call about birds?
Great! Yes, birds are exempt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Larry</b>: But you just told the lady
from Animal Welfare that all species of pets are included?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Kevin</b>: Well if you were looking for
honesty, Larry, this is the wrong place to be. Birds are exempt. We haven't
figured out how to include them "at this point." Our friends at the
HSUS are helping us work on getting standards in place to regulate birds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Larry</b>: Great!! Birds are exempt!
Yay!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Linda, hobby breeder</b>: Currently
buyers all come into my house. I don't ship. So I'm a retail store, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Kevin</b>: You are covered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Dr. Russian</b>: People don't need to
come to your home for you to be exempt. Don't listen to Kevin, he doesn't know
what he’s talking about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Linda</b>: Wal-Mart parking lot is OK?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Kevin</b>: Sure, why not? But be careful
not to get arrested in the states that have laws against sales in public
places. Those new laws are awesome!! Hooray for HSUS! We're so glad to see that
selling animals is now a crime in many places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Linda</b>: My daughter and I both have
breeding bitches, she has three, I have five. I also am a broker for other
people. How does all that work? These new rules are confusing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Dr. Russian</b>: We see intact dogs on
your premises, they are being counted. If you don't ship any dogs you are not
covered. But now that we know you are a dog breeder and broker, we are definitely
going to have you on our radar screen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Linda</b>: But I don't ship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Kevin</b>: We will wait, maybe, for a
few months or even years before we start to go after people like you. But rest
assured, we WILL be coming after you eventually. What we say now, and how the
rules are written, may be two entirely different things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Linda</b>: I advertise online, sometimes
dozens of dogs for sale at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Kevin</b>: Boy, you are one of those
upfront, honest people who will be the first to go. SUCKER!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Since you say you don't ship, we
will be leaving you alone. Temporarily. Rules will be tightened up in the
future to better protect dogs and persecute breeders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Deborah from ASPCA</b>: Thank you thank
you! How can we make sure that everyone is licensed within 60 days? How will we
go after people who don't apply for a license?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Dr. G</b>: We will outreach beginning
immediately. We will try to get the more naïve to turn themselves in and we
will be on the lookout for those who don't. Rest assured, humaniacs, that your
wish is our command.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Carla, breeder of Aussies</b>: There is
an exemption for working dogs. What about stock dogs? And, if I have a state
license, why do I need a license with the feds?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Kevin</b>: We don't care how many layers
of bureaucracy you have to contend with. The more, the better. I don't know
what a "stock dog" is so I'll let Dr. Russian address that part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Dr. Russian</b>: Good God, I don't know
what a "stock dog" is either. But if it isn't used for research,
teaching, testing, experimentation, exhibition or use as a pet, then we can't
sink our meat hooks into it. Darn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Kara from MPBA</b>: Can we advertise on
the internet as long as we don't ship? What about my stock dogs? What if I say
I'm selling breeders? Can't you give us a few loopholes to work with?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Dr. Russian</b>: We LOVE people who
advertise on the net, that's where we will go a-huntin' for breeders. So
advertise away! Your business model is what we are looking at. If you sell
dogs, then how you do it is OUR decision!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
After all these questions about dogs for stock, I am really wondering now what
the heck you are talking about. Stocking the shelves of your stores? Making
soup? You breeders are really weird!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /><b>
Kevin</b>: We are from the government, and we are here to help! Restraint of trade
is what we do best. Who needs free enterprise? Phooey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">We suggest if you are confused about
the rules, you call us so we can begin to investigate you immediately. We need
to know about your "business model" even though you are a hobby
breeder, not a business. We don't take into consideration your profit or loss,
only the fact that you dare to sell pets. At the end of the day, that's all
that matters. We are here for the animals, and as long as we draw breath and
continue to collect our six-figure salaries, we are committed to continuing to
dream up new ways to screw over anyone evil enough to breed pets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I will happily refer those of you
with further questions to our knowledgeable enforcement division, Sarah L.
Conant, former lawyer for the Humane Society of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region></st1:place>, and animal rights extremist
Deborah Dubow Press. They are waiting to prosecute you to the fullest extent of
the law. They'll even do it with a smile!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">If we can drive a few breeds
extinct, or prevent someone from getting the dog of their dreams, then our
efforts will not have been in vain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-44477225491007356112013-08-29T15:54:00.000-07:002013-10-01T14:28:10.640-07:00ARE WE TURNING OUR DOGS INTO WOLVES?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>This article was originally published in the online edition of the </i><b>Boxer Daily</b><i>.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Not too long ago on a genetics list I belong to, a list member posted several links to articles
in various scientific publications about the latest research on the evolution
and domestication of dogs. Coincidentally, the poster is also a Boxer breeder
and sent the links to the SB-L and the Showboxer Forum, too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
consensus of the researchers featured in these articles is that on their way to
domestication, dogs evolved along with humans to be able to thrive on a
grain-rich diet. In the Health & Science section of the January 23<sup>rd</sup>
edition of the <i>Washington Post</i>,
science reporter David Brown summed it up like this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 16.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">"You know that dog biscuit shaped like a bone but made mostly of wheat?
Your dog’s willingness to eat that treat, instead of going for a bone in your
thigh, helps explain how its ancestors evolved from wolves into house pets."<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 16.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">A team of Swedish researchers compared the genomes of wolves and dogs
and found that a big difference is dogs’ ability to easily digest starch. On
their way from pack-hunting carnivore to fireside companion, dogs learned to
desire — or at least live on — wheat, rice, barley, corn and potatoes.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 16.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">As it turns out, the same thing happened to humans as they came out of
the forest, invented agriculture and settled into diets rich in grains.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 16.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">“I think it is a striking case of co-evolution,” said Erik Axelsson, a
geneticist at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Uppsala</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place>. “The fact
that we shared a similar environment in the last 10,000 years caused a similar
adaptation. And the big change in the environment was the development of
agriculture.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">In the
ensuing discussion of this research on the Showboxer Forum, one list member
questioned the idea of raw meat as a suitable diet for modern dogs by asking, <b><i>“Are
we turning our dogs into wolves?” </i></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe I’m
just eager to embrace this new hypothesis because my boxers basically live on
IAMS MiniChunks and with only a few minor detours, have thrived on that diet since
forever. But even if I’m not being totally objective, I think that list member
had a good point. My dogs’ coats are shiny, their eyes are bright, they’re
neither too thin nor too fat, and they seldom visit the vet – usually only for
routine health tests. Yes, I do make a pot of chicken soup for them once a
week, but not so much because I’ve bought into the current “All Canines Are
Carnivores” meme, as because I was brought up by a mother and grandmother who
considered chicken soup one of the five major food groups. Luckily, and with
only one exception, I’ve always been blessed with boxers that would eat a box
of rocks if you put it in front of them at dinnertime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I do admit
that during the home-cooking craze, I started feeling guilty about feeding my
crew <i>any </i>commercial dog food, the equivalent
in the opinion of home-cooking advocates of letting them scavenge for
sustenance on a public landfill. I invited home-cooking gurus to publish their
favorite recipes in the old <i>Boxer
Underground Online Newsmagazine</i> (which ran from 1998 to 2006), and I
stocked up on oatmeal, hamburger and green and yellow veggies and stood at the
kitchen counter and the stove for hours, chopping and stirring. The dogs loved
it and it smelled good, too, even if the sticky gray mess that resulted looked like
something Macbeth’s witches had concocted in their bubbling cauldron. At the time, however, I was working a
more-than-40-hour week at a very demanding job, so it wasn’t long before my
canine family was back on IAMS. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I’ve never
been tempted to try raw-feeding or a grain-free commercial diet for two
reasons: 1) I live in Florida where it’s hot and humid all year long, and am
scared to death of salmonella and e-coli, for both my dogs and my own family; and
2) feeding four boxers on Canidae or Orijen just isn’t in my budget. (Neither
for that matter is feeding raw, even if I weren’t concerned about handling raw
chicken in this climate.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s
probably obvious at this point that I believe dog food should be nutritious and
relatively economical, and feeding dogs should be as simple and convenient as
possible. Of course, if my dogs were in poor condition or were constantly at
the vet’s, I’d switch to another brand of dog food or a completely different
diet. (I’d also take a good long look at my breeding program.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">But so far,
that’s never been the case, and that makes me wonder if perhaps we're not doing
our dogs any favors by trying to feed them as though they were wolves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Food for
thought?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Sources:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
</span><a href="http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=10510" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt;">http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=10510</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21142870" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt;">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21142870</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/learning-to-love-cereal-was-key-to-the-evolution-of-dogs/2013/01/23/30c47500-6510-11e2-85f5-a8a9228e55e7_story.html?tid=pm_pop" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt;">http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/learning-to-love-cereal-was-key-to-the-evolution-of-dogs/2013/01/23/30c47500-6510-11e2-85f5-a8a9228e55e7_story.html?tid=pm_pop</span></a></div>
Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-78985891432623095802013-07-15T16:07:00.000-07:002013-07-15T16:10:07.580-07:00WHEN IS A GOOD HOLTER REPORT NOT A GOOD HOLTER REPORT?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The short
answer to the title question is, “When the Holter recording wasn’t read and
interpreted by a board certified veterinary cardiologist.” But actually, it’s not nearly as simple as
that, and this blog is going to be neither a paean to all board certified
cardiologists nor an <span class="hw"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">exposé</span></span> of the commercial services that
provide inexpensive, technician-read holter reports with a super-fast
turnaround. Hopefully, this account will give other Boxer breeders the same
kind of “heads up” I got recently when I had occasion to send the same Holter
tape, first to a commercial Holter reading service, and then to a board certified
veterinary cardiologist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">A Tale of Two Holter Reports<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Before I
begin this little cautionary tale, let me say that I don’t pretend to be an
expert on heart disease. In fact, beyond a short CPR course that I’ve mostly
forgotten, I’ve had no medical training whatsoever. What I’ve learned about
Boxer Cardiomyopathy, or ARVC as it’s now called, was “absorbed” from listening
(and taking notes) to the presentations of researchers and other experts as
secretary to the ABC Health & Research Committee and the ABCF Board of
Trustees, and by taking advantage of the expert knowledge of the cardiologist
who treats my own dogs and who is never too busy to answer questions or explain
heart disease to his clients. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">This saga
began with a 5 year-old health-tested bitch that had never been bred and a very
promising young dog whose parents had been health tested and who had “passed”
several health tests himself (DM clear, SAS clear & Thyroid normal), but
had not yet been Holtered. The two prospective breeding partners complemented
each other perfectly, so I threw a Holter monitor on the young dog and sent it
off to one of the commercial Holter reading services, asking that they return
the tape to me after reading it. I
usually send my Holter tapes to a cardiologist for interpretation due to a
friend’s sad experience with one of the “quickie” services, but I wanted a faster
turnaround than the cardiologist provided for a pre-breeding clearance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">In only a
few days, I had a report that showed 5 VPCs and zero (0) supraventricular
ectopics (also called APCs, or Atrial Premature Contractions). The tape was returned
shortly thereafter. Because the early days of my breeding program were haunted
by Boxer Cardiomyopathy (before anyone knew what it was), I wasn’t completely happy
with 5 VPCs in such a young dog, but it was now or never for my bitch, so I
proceeded with the breeding. Then I mailed the tape to the cardiologist to whom
I usually send Holter recordings for interpretation, hoping that some of those
5 VPCs were just artifacts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
cardiologist’s report was sent to me within two weeks and read, in part:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <span style="color: navy;">“There were a total
of 4, Ventricular Premature Beats (VPC’s or PVC’s) during the monitoring
period. There were <u>frequent singular atrial premature beats</u> during the
recording period. There were <u>runs of supraventricular tachycardia</u> during
the monitoring period. The singular APCs are not as concerning as the runs of
SVT at fast rates. The longest run of SVT was 9 beats duration…”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Diagnosis: </span></b><u><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Abnormal 24 hour holter
study</span></u><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Recommendations: </span></b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I recommend treatment of
these arrhythmias specifically to try to slow down or abolish the runs of fast
SVT. I suggest we begin Atenolol 25 mg tabs --1/2 tab by mouth twice daily....<u>This
type of arrhythmia is not the classic arrhythmia noted in Boxers affected with Arrhythmogenic
Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy in that they are usually ventricular in
origin.</u> Some Boxers will have this rhythm as the first sign of ARVC and
follow up holter studies may show the development of ventricular arrhythmias.
Alternatively this can be an arrhythmia problem noted in Boxers or other breeds
which is not associated with ARVC.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Whoa! Only 4 VPCs – fewer than on
the report from the commercial service – but runs of supraventricular
tachycardia and a cardiologist’s recommendation of treatment with Atenolol? Where did that come from?! The first report said there were <i>zero</i> supraventricular ectopics!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">A Third Holter Report + an Echo<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I immediately called my own
cardiologist to discuss the second Holter report, and to arrange for rental of
a digital Holter monitor (my own monitor is analog, and my cardiologist no longer
processes analog recordings or tapes). Shortly after the monitor was returned
to the second cardiologist, the doctor called personally to give me the bad
news: Although interpretation of the recording wasn’t yet complete, the third Holter
report looked very much like the second. At that point, I made an appointment for
a face-to-face consult at the cardiologist’s clinic, which included an echo to
rule out structural heart disease. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">After reviewing the third Holter
report at my cardiologist’s clinic a week or so later, it became obvious that there
was something very, very wrong with the first Holter reading done by the
commercial service. Remember the zero (0) Supraventricular Ectopics noted on
the first report? My cardiologist recorded 23,689 isolated (single) supraventricular
events plus 5 Couplets and 20 Runs. <u>That’s 23,825 supraventricular ectopics,
or 18% of the dog’s total heartbeats!</u>
Cardiologist # 2 also suggested that we consider medication (sotalol) to
slow the fast heart rate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Frankly, I was blown away. How could
that first Holter have been so completely out of the ballpark? Had the Holter
service sent some other dog’s report?
But that couldn’t be, because the same tape had been returned to me and
sent on to the first cardiologist; and the second cardiologist had produced a
similar report from a different (digital) recording!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">As soon as
I got home, I fired off an email to the commercial Holter reading service to
which I had originally sent the tape. I
attached a copy of their Holter report showing 5 VPCs and zero supraventricular
ectopics and excerpts from the reports generated by the cardiologists. A
company rep answered in short order, and said he was going to look into what
had happened and would get back to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The next
morning, I received a phone call from the manager of the Holter service. We
talked for about 30 minutes. His
attitude was both apologetic and defensive. At the end of our conversation, I
understood what had happened but was – there’s no other word for it –
incredulous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Apparently, because a few
supraventricular ectopics (<i>Atrial</i>
Premature Contractions) are no big deal (both cardiologists had said much the
same thing), and because part of the canine side of the business came from individual
owners who were primarily concerned about <i>VPCs</i>
and ARVC and didn’t know what supraventricular ectopics were (I certainly
hadn’t known), those concerned owners tended to call the service for an
explanation when they saw numbers in the “Supraventricular Ectopics” column of
the report. So the people who dealt with dog owners (rather than with the human
and veterinary cardiologists who used the service, presumably) decided that
they would stop <i>confusing</i> their
customers with irrelevant information and simply stopped collecting and reporting
ANY supraventricular activity to individual dog owners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">As noted, the representative I spoke
with was both defensive and apologetic. He repeatedly made the point that a
little atrial arrhythmia was usually nothing to be worried about, but admitted
that there was nothing usual about nearly twenty-four <i>thousand</i> atrial ectopics. He also admitted that the report
generated by his company had, in effect, given my young dog a “pass,” when the
dog clearly had a condition that needed to be addressed by a cardiologist and
that would have been immediately obvious if the “Supraventricular Ectopics”
column had not shown zeros across the board.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">By the end of our conversation, the
Holter company representative had assured me that in the future, their reports
would include supraventricular ectopics; and I was left of two minds about the
whole experience: On the one hand, I believe that in the absence of a reliable
gene test, all North American Boxer breeders and owners should Holter their breeding
animals at least once a year and that these fast, inexpensive Holter services
make it possible for everyone to do that – no excuses! And I understand that my dog presented an
unusual situation that I may never encounter again. I still don’t know exactly
what’s wrong with him, or whether the problem is hereditary or might be atrial
myocarditis caused by something like Lyme disease. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">On the other hand, it was unsettling
to find that the management of a Holter reading service had felt their
customers were incapable of understanding all the information the service had
been paid to provide and so decided not to provide some of it; and it’s only
human nature to ask, what else did they miss?
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The fact is, while some veterinary
cardiologists are prohibitively expensive, some are quite reasonable and are
willing to work with breeders. My inclination at this point is to say, if you
really care about Boxer heart disease, find one of those “reasonable” cardiologists.
Or at the very least, the next time you send a Holter recording to one of the
fast, cheap Holter reading services, ask that their in-house cardiologist read
and interpret your tape, even if it costs a little extra.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-31363189240109299802013-06-26T06:18:00.000-07:002013-06-26T06:18:00.290-07:00The 2013 ABC: One Down, One to Go…<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">One Down…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">INDIANAPOLIS</span></st1:city><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">, <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state>,
May 4-10 – First the bad news: mostly gray skies and an on-again, off-again
drizzle the whole time we were there. No
restaurants within walking distance of the host hotel and glacially slow service
in the hotel restaurant throughout the week. No matting in the ring for the
first two specialties – all the
available mats were being used for ABC Obedience, which ran concurrently with
the specialties on Saturday & Sunday. The slippery plush green carpet that
had been put down in the place of mats was an accident waiting to happen
(ringside complained about it all day, to no avail), and sure enough, a handler
tripped on a poorly-taped seam and was injured when she hit the floor
face-first during BOB on Saturday. For the second specialty on Sunday morning,
the green rug had disappeared, but the wall-to-wall carpet that covered the
ring wasn’t much better. Note to show chair and superintendent: Conformation
dogs and their handlers need secure footing, too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The show
site was definitely a work in progress, but the good news – especially from
this headhunter’s perspective – was that class after class featured some of the
most beautiful heads and expressions I’ve seen at the ABC in many a year. And there
were quite a few dogs and bitches, especially in the younger classes, that I
would have loved to take home. What’s more, overtly shy dogs were few and far
between, and the judges, who had some very tough choices to make, consistently selected
many of the same competitors for their top class placements. Our breed appears
to be in very good hands, and after all, we go to the ABC to see the beautiful
Boxers…not the beautiful show site. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">More good news came in the form of a
decision by the ABC BOD to listen to membership, ah...“feedback” on the newly
created ABC Judges Selection Committee (JSC). The JSC’s procedures threatened
to spark an outright revolt on the part of the ABC membership when they were
outlined in the Regional Board Meeting Minutes published in the Winter 2012
edition of <i>The ABC Bulletin </i>and
members learned that they would no longer be able to nominate judges for the
ABC shows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">By the time the general membership meeting
convened on Wednesday evening, May 8, the JSC procedures announced at the
meeting had been completely revamped in response to the outpouring of angry protests
and negative comments from the Boxer email lists and from the ABC Member Club
Presidents Meeting, which took place on Monday, May 6 at the ABC. The “new” procedures
announced at the membership meeting ensure
that ABC members will continue to be able to nominate ABC judges directly as we
have always done, instead of having our nominating privileges usurped by a
panel of five unelected zone directors and two appointed committee chairs. Rather
than <i>selecting</i> the ABC judges for us,
the new committee will instead work on streamlining the selection process by
establishing criteria for prospective judges (a sorely needed reform) and
holding primary elections. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">All’s well that ends well, but this might <i>not</i> have ended well if so many people
hadn’t protested long and loud to the ABC BOD; and if so many of the directors
hadn’t been equally opposed when they finally got the straight scoop and realized
that the JSC was going to disenfranchise the entire membership! It’s a shame that the board members who were
doing their best all along to represent the members had to take so much flak
because of the few directors who thought they knew better than anyone else what
was good for the rest of us. Hopefully, next time something comes up that
potentially affects the membership, someone will ask the members what they
think of it first, before proceeding full speed ahead… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">One
to Go…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Per the title of this blog, “One to Go” is the
fact that the ABC is <i>still</i> not
accessible to the members and exhibitors who live in the westernmost part of
the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region></st1:place>.
The ABC directors know that, and they know why: Most airlines will no longer
fly “snub-nosed breeds,” and those that still do – as airfreight, not excess
baggage – charge a small fortune to ship a Boxer-size dog across the country. A West Coast handler told me the airline had
charged her $3000 round-trip to fly 3 Boxers from <st1:state w:st="on">California</st1:state>
to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state>
and back. How many of us could afford to pay $1000 just to get one dog to the
ABC and back home?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">At the board meeting on Tuesday, May 7, the
chair of the Site Committee reported to the directors that the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Topeka</st1:place></st1:city> site was not suitable because there were
too few rooms available and it was an hour and twenty minutes drive from the
airport to the hotel. The site committee therefore recommended a 2-year
extension on our contract with the Wyndham. After a discussion of the
committee’s recommendation (Oh, to have been a fly on the wall!) the board
ultimately voted to extend the contract for 1 year, through 2015. There were only
3 dissenting votes, from 3 of the directors who live west of the <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mississippi</st1:place></st1:state>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">So here we are, 15 years later, back to square
one. And by the way, it’s true that “Tornado Alley” runs right through the
Midwest during March, April and May, but it’s also true that you can’t get more
Midwest than <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state>.
Check out the stats at the following URL: </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://indianadoes.blogspot.com/2012/01/tornadoes-by-month-for-1950-2010.html">http://indianadoes.blogspot.com/2012/01/tornadoes-by-month-for-1950-2010.html</a><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">You know, it’s often said that where there’s a will there’s
a way. The ABC BOD is a very smart group of people. If they have the will,
they’ll find a way. Soon.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Coming Next Month:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">WHEN IS A GOOD HOLTER REPORT NOT A GOOD
HOLTER REPORT?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you’re as frustrated by ARVC as I am, you won’t
want to miss it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-59054266972753949882013-03-23T07:01:00.000-07:002013-03-23T07:03:25.410-07:00*THE MOST IMPORTANT [ABC] ELECTION OF THE YEAR*<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Because the
mid-March ABC mailing that contains the Board of Directors ballot and
questionnaires was delayed, I’ve taken the list of nominees from the ABC
website and copied it below. The Board election is especially important this
year because of two controversial issues that will be decided by the current
BOD and implemented, or not, by future directors – issues we’ve discussed to
death on Facebook and the Boxer email lists in the last few months. If you feel
strongly about these issues one way or the other, you need to read the BOD questionnaire
that was filled out by each nominee. (If
you’re an ABC member, log in to the ABC website, click on “INFORMATION,” then
on “SECRETARY REPORT” and finally on “March 2013.” If you’re a member club
member, write to me at <a href="mailto:vzboxers@gmail.com">vzboxers@gmail.com</a>,
and I’ll send you a copy of the questionnaires.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The first issue
is one that – if approved by the BOD – would mean that ABC members could no
longer nominate judges for the ABC Specialty, Futurity or Regional. The ABC
President has proposed an ABC Judges Selection Committee (JSC) comprised of the
five <i>unelected</i> zone directors, who
would accept suggestions, NOT nominations, from ABC members and winnow those
suggestions, no matter how many, down to three (3) names. If as an ABC member you don’t want to be
completely disenfranchised by this proposal, you need to vote for the Board
candidates who pledge to protect your rights and privileges. And then hold them
to their pledge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The 12
people listed below have been nominated to fill four (4) open positions. After
reading the Board questionnaires on the ABC website, I conducted my own little
informal survey: <u>Two</u> (2) of the nominees specifically stated that they were
opposed to a judges selection committee that takes rights away from the
membership; only <u>one</u> (1) nominee said she was in favor of it. A number
of the other candidates said they believed, as one candidate put it, <b>“No significant policy decisions affecting
the Members should be made without first consulting them if at all possible.”</b>
IMO, that’s just a gentler way of saying no to this very unpopular proposal. Again, before you put an “X” in the box next
to a candidate’s name, read his/her Board questionnaire and see where s/he
stands on this issue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Stephanie
Abraham Thomas Latta <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Steve
Anderson Betty
Mentzer-Cope<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Mary <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Frances</st1:country-region></st1:place>
Burleson Jeff Phillips<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Ann Gilbert <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Virginia</st1:state></st1:place> (Ginny) Shames<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Marilyn
Grayson Korinne
Vanderpool<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jeannie
Hoffman Judy Voran<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The second
issue is one we’ve been batting back and forth since 1998 – moving the ABC to
the center of the country so that our <u>National</u> specialty show is
accessible to western ABC members and exhibitors, too, not just those who live east
of the <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mississippi</st1:place></st1:state>.
On this one, I’m sure I don’t have to remind anyone who tried to fly a dog to
the 2012 ABC in Kentucky that in the last few years, new airline regulations
and policies have made it practically impossible and prohibitively expensive to
fly dogs, especially boxers (a “snub-nosed” breed), anywhere. Knowing that,
what the officers and BOD are in effect saying to the western half of the nation
at this point is, “Frankly my dears, we don’t give a damn!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Entitling
this blog</span></span><b style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> “THE MOST IMPORTANT ELECTION
OF THE YEAR”</b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> really </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">isn't</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> hyperbole. There really is a big split between
the ABC leaders who believe in transparency and are responsive to the general membership and those who support secrecy and think they know better than the majority of the membership how the ABC should be run. These new Board members will determine whether the ABC becomes a more, or
less, democratic organization; and whether the elected leadership listens to
the membership or not. Read those questionnaires! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-1957364412009064802013-01-12T05:45:00.000-08:002013-01-12T05:45:36.435-08:00IF IT AIN'T BROKE...<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">DON’T FIX IT!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">A week or
so ago, I received a package from the ABC, containing ballots for the 2014
Specialty and Futurity judges and a nomination form for the ABC Board of Directors.
Coincidentally, there are two hugely important issues before the ABC board at
this time: 1) whether ABC members will be able to continue to nominate judges
of OUR choice in the future to judge our Specialty and Futurity; and 2) where
our National will be held in 2015. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">1) Let’s
talk about nomination of ABC judges first: at the 2012 Regional, the ABC president
announced at the membership meeting that a new ABC Judges’ Selection Committee
(JSC) had been created, but didn’t explain who the members would be or what the
JSC would do. Apparently all the details
hadn’t been worked out yet. However, I had heard this issue discussed before I
went off the board in July 2012, and from what I understood at the time, was
strongly opposed to it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">In the
meantime, I got a phone call from Phillip Koenig, the co-chair of the new
committee. Phillip called to try to
convince me that the new JSC was the fairest and most efficient way to select
judges for our National & Regional Specialties. He explained that the JSC
would be co-chaired by two people appointed by the ABC president (or the ABC show
chair?) and would consist of the 5 <u>unelected</u> Regional Directors, who would
accept “suggestions” from ABC members, and would then winnow those suggested
judges’ names down to three (3!) names that would appear on a ballot for us to
vote on. In other words, even if ABC members “suggested” 12 names for the
Specialty, as we did this year, only 3 names would make it onto a ballot. Needless
to say, despite that I have the greatest respect for Phillip and all the hard
work he does for the ABC, I was not convinced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Take a look
at the 12 names on the 2014 Specialty ballot. Most of the candidates are
well-known breeder-judges and the rest are respected all-rounders who often
judge our breed. Which 9 names would YOU eliminate from that ballot? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Now look at
the 8 names on the Futurity ballot – which 5 or 6 noted breeders would YOU
consign to the “circular file”? Which of the people on either ballot did not
deserve the honor of being nominated to judge our National Specialty &
Futurity? Could you have chosen which people to eliminate? I couldn’t have. But I do have an idea that might allow all of
us to have our cake and eat it too: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">There is
currently a nominating committee appointed by the ABC president that is
responsible for nominating 3 or 4 people to run for the ABC board each year. The
committee’s nominees are frequently elected, but not always. ABC members can
also nominate candidates (hence the nominating form in the package I received),
and the membership is thereby given the opportunity to infuse some “new blood”
into the board, if a majority of ABC members agrees with the nominations from
the floor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">If the ABC
leadership </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">doesn't</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> think the current judges’ selection process is fair and </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">doesn't</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> trust ABC members to nominate good candidates, why not set up the proposed judges’ selection committee like the BOD nominating committee? Let the new judges’
nominating committee nominate three judges for the Specialty and two for the
Futurity each year, but let the members continue to make their own nominations
as usual, and may the best man or woman win!
And to make it even more of a win-win situation and introduce some fresh
faces into the ABC show rings, make a rule that an individual cannot judge the
ABC National or Regional more than once every 6-8 years (or 10 years, or
whatever). But please, please, PLEASE, don’t give 5 unelected directors and 2
appointees the authority to decide who’s going to judge at the ABC!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">2) The
second issue we need to consider is the fact that most airlines have banned air
travel for our boxers, and the ones that still accept “snub-nosed dogs” charge
prohibitively expensive shipping fees even for excess baggage, and change their
rules and regulations on what seems to be a flight by flight basis. Will the
ABC BOD *finally* put the show in the center of the country in 2015 (it’s only
been 15 years since we voted to do that) and make the ABC National accessible
to western ABC members and exhibitors?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In the
representative democracy that is the American Boxer Club, the solution to the </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">above mentioned</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> urgent problems lies with YOU, the ABC membership. We’re about
to elect 4 new board members. Contact the board nominees and ASK if they are
committed to making the ABC accessible to western members and exhibitors by
moving the show to Topeka or some other central location by 2015. Then ASK if
they will vote for or against allowing an unelected committee to determine who
is allowed to judge at the ABC Specialty, Futurity and Regional. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">If you
don’t like their answers, then nominate a candidate who represents YOUR best
interests. Board nominations must be in the hands of the ABC secretary by
Feb 1. It’s as simple as all that! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-20972727858107435722012-12-24T11:54:00.000-08:002012-12-24T15:18:29.638-08:00The Boxer--What Judges Look For…Editor's note: This article was originally published in the January 2012 issue of ShowSight Magazine.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">--Stephanie Abraham</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Judges’ Education Chair:</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">American Boxer Club</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Some years ago, a well known multi-breed judge stated to me in
consternation, “This breed is so hard to judge—why, you have 16 points in the
Standard on ‘head’ alone!” As I thought
about her remarks, it occurred to me that she might be technically correct, but
that no one judging the Boxer ought to be dissecting the Standard (and the
breed) by despairing that she might not be able to appreciate all “16 points.” While our Standard is, I believe, an
intelligent and defining document, and of the greatest value to judges and
breeders alike, it is the overall “sense” of it that all of us should take away
after reading it. It actually defines
essential breed type. And isn’t it ‘type’ that remains the most important
characteristic of any breed, and one that is often the most elusive?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> Type is actually detailed in
the opening paragraph of the Standard, revised by the parent club in 2005,
telling us that the Boxer is a medium size, square dog, combining “strength and
agility with elegance and style… </span><span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In judging the Boxer first consideration is given to
general appearance and overall balance. Special attention is then devoted to
the head, after which the individual body components are examined for their
correct construction, and the gait evaluated for efficiency.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">
SOooo...the Boxer is square and medium sized,
elegant, stylish, and balanced. We then pay special attention to the head (all
16 points!) and evaluate the overall dog. Several considerations come to mind:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> First, what does “medium size” mean? We have all seen many very tall dogs and
bitches in the ring in recent years. Yet
we have no size disqualification. The
recommended heights are 21 ½-23 ½ for bitches and 23-25 for males. It is up to the individual judge if he wants
to reward a 26” or even taller dog, or whether he penalizes a 22” one …all
sizes are acceptable under the breed Standard. The parent club did not raise
the height limits in its 2005 revision of the Standard—except at the LOWER end,
therefore stating its preference to keep the sizes moderate. Nonetheless, a glorious taller dog or bitch
may prove irresistible to both judge and breeder alike—and is perfectly “legal”
under the Standard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> Squareness in the Boxer should be greatly
prized. The “form and function” adage
never more clearly applies than in this concept. The Boxer was used to run down and hold
fierce wild game—bear and boar—and had to be square to make quick turns through
the forest at breakneck speed when pursuing his prey around trees and boulders over
uneven terrain. So the “squareness”
proviso has a historical precedent and should be heeded by the modern judge,
even though the dog is no longer used as a hunter. Again, it comes down to a sense of how well
the Boxer in front of us is likely to do the job for which he was bred.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> The Boxer’s lines are clean and easily
analyzed—there is no long hair to disguise the outline for good or ill. Therefore ‘style,’ or how the judge
interprets that, is evident at a glance. To me, taut musculature without
coarseness, all contributing to ‘strength,’ the long arched neck properly set
as it flows into the shoulders, and balanced angulation front and rear all
contribute to this elusive notion of ‘style and elegance.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> Certainly the most difficult portion of
the Standard to understand is proper head type. Indeed, across the country
excellent heads are sadly becoming harder and harder to find, and too many of
us are forgetting that form follows function in head type as well as body
type—i.e.: we are not valuing the construction that allowed the Boxer to be an
efficient hunter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> First, the Boxer’s jaws are not those
of a ‘slasher’ with a scissors bite.
Instead, the Boxer’s undershot jaw, ideally wide and straight across for
greater gripping power, was used to catch hold of a struggling prey animal and
keep it under control until the human hunter arrived on the scene to dispatch
it. I am often asked “What amount of space should
there be between upper and lower rows of teeth?” The answer is that there is no exact
measure—if the jaw is too undershot, then teeth or tongue will show when the
mouth is closed. If the dog is barely undershot, he may be afflicted with an
overlip that may make him look like Andy Gump (the upper lip covering all or
part of the chin). But if the lips meet
evenly, the upper one just touching and lying on top of (not over) the other,
and the chin is perceptible from the front and the side—he is probably ok. Don’t worry about precise distances. All of
the contours of the head accommodate these many features in a unique way. Once you see an outstanding head, you will
always remember it. We do not count teeth in the Boxer, but wider jaws are
preferred to narrow ones that would have less ability to ‘hold’ simply because
they would grip a lesser amount of skin and flesh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> When
viewing the Boxer head from the front, the first thing that should be apparent
is that the expression is sweet and kind—the jaws are formidable, but the eyes
impart a gentle look, have plenty of ‘fill’ under them, and are frontally
placed (as are our own). They are generous,
dark, and full—all so that the dog could see his fleeing prey better. There is
nothing harsh or sharp in a Boxer’s facial features, and definitely no slanted
or almond-shaped eyes on the side of the head.
It may seem odd that such a fierce pursuer would have a sweet
expression, but we must remember that the Boxer was never a killer, but rather
a ‘holder.’ The ears (cropped or
uncropped) are set on high to catch every nuance of sound in the forest. Wrinkling on the forehead is moderate and
contributes to the gentleness of expression. Most critically, the tip of the nose lies
higher than the ‘stop,’ which allowed the dog to breathe while holding a mouthful
of moving fur. This is an essential breed characteristic, and one that is most
obvious in profile. The fact that the blunt
muzzle is approx. 2/3 the width of the skull and 1/3 the length of the head
from the occiput to the tip of the nose will help to define a ‘look’ that will
become apparent to you without ever having to actually think in terms of measurements
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> No proper hunter could accomplish his
goals without essential soundness. The
Boxer should be balanced for efficiency of gait, and have excellent reach and
drive for propelling power at the gallop and the trot. His movement, however, does not differ
appreciably from many other working dogs—it is the square outline and the head
that sets him apart in the show ring. The
slightly sloping topline levels out in motion, and as speed increases the head
and neck stretch forward unless (sadly) pulled up by handlers in the ring. The Boxer definitely single tracks, and
imbalances of angulation are evident in those dogs who sidewind or move wide
behind or have a hackney gait in front. Those compensations are due to structural
flaws and should at once be a red flag to the judge that something is not
right—often a lack of correct balance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> The
Boxer must be as fearless in the ring as he was at the hunt—and we implore
judges NOT to reward timid specimens. To
that effect, any dogs that shy away from the judge should be severely
penalized, as the Standard advises.
While obvious displays of shyness are clear, some are more subtle. For example,
in the Boxer, the tail is carried erect in motion, and a tail held in a tucked
position indicates an unhappy, insecure animal.
Likewise, the nervous dog that is constantly swiveling around, looking
for bogeymen behind every chair, is not of sound temperament. We do tolerate modest displays of aggression
towards other dogs, so long as they are controlled. Thankfully, such displays are rather
infrequent, and you will almost never see a Boxer who is aggressive towards
people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> When the Boxers enter the ring to be
judged, it should be evident at a seemingly casual glance which specimens are
to be most prized. Balance is clear;
square outline is clear; attitude is clear.
When you come up close to the dog, head type and expression are obvious—you
must educate your “eye” so that you do not have to think twice about what all
those “points” really mean. Markings (or
lack thereof) are not so important, and we usually advise judges to be
‘colorblind’ in the ring. While
attractive white markings may appeal, they are not required in any way, and the
so-called ‘plain or classic’ Boxer should enjoy parity with his flashier
cousins. In other words, as the old tale
advises, just imagine an elephant and chip away all the parts of him that are
not “Boxer.” Then you will see your near-perfect specimen materialize before
you, and can rely on your good judgment to reward him properly so that he makes
his mark on this glorious breed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-52073854742428522952012-11-22T07:40:00.000-08:002012-11-22T11:09:43.611-08:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.0pt;">Sheep thrills!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">by Louise Watson, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">British
Columbia</st1:state>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="mailto:tazra@shaw.ca"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">tazra@shaw.ca</span></a></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I’ve been
involved in the purebred dog world for 40 years but have only had boxers in my
life for the last 15 years. In 2004, I
decided to approach Cheryl Jennings of JEMS Boxers about her litter by “Jam”
out of her beloved girl “Brier”. I
didn’t know Cheryl well, but we had mutual friends and I hoped that she would
find me worthy of one of her pups. Hands
trembling, I dialed her telephone number, cleared my throat, took a deep breath
and got ready to make my case as to why I would be worthy! I needn’t have worried. Those who know Cheryl know that she is a
gregarious and warm person and she soon put me at ease. And so a 12 week old flashy brindle boxer
puppy made the trip to my home in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:city>,
<st1:state w:st="on">British Columbia</st1:state></st1:place>. He was to be named “George”. The support and friendship of Cheryl Jennings
and Dianna Emmons (JEMS Boxers U.S.A.) throughout George’s “career” has been
tremendous. Dianna and Cheryl refer to
George simply as “Alphabet Boy” in recognition of the multitude of letters
after his name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">At the age
of 10 months George was first introduced to herding sheep. He was very enthusiastic. Actually, truth be told, he was a little
wild. Fast forward to the current day
and George continues to maintain his enthusiasm but has the necessary skills to
work livestock calmly and effectively – without scattering them like popcorn!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Although
not nearly as flamboyant as his namesake, Boy George (the lead singer of the
band “Culture Club”), George does things with great flair. George’s herding career has exceeded my
wildest expectations. George’s obedience
and rally titles were also earned with multiple high in class awards. But it’s in herding where he’s a bit of an
over achiever!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">George’s
herding record to date:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">#1 all breed Intermediate Canadian Kennel Club herding dog - 2010</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">8
High in Trial awards<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">4
Reserve High in Trial awards<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">12
High in Class awards<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">1
High Combined Score award (arena)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">1
High Combined Score award (stock dog)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">High
in Trial awards won on both cattle and sheep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">High
in Class awards won on cattle, sheep and ducks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">13
championship points earned to date (including his majors) – <i>just 2 more to go!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">7
Herding Excellent (HX) points earned to date – <i>just 3 more to go!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Championship
points earned on all types of stock used in CKC trials (cattle, sheep, ducks)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">1<sup>st</sup>
boxer to earn an Advanced herding title<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Has
earned Advanced herding titles on both sheep and ducks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">George is
trained and handled by Lynn Leach. She
is an AKC, CKC and AHBA (American Herding Breed Association) judge and is a
much sought after clinician and travels extensively worldwide judging and teaching
clinics. Lynn and her husband, Jim, own
Downriver Farm in the beautiful <st1:placename w:st="on">Fraser</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Valley</st1:placename> in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">British Columbia</st1:place></st1:state>. </span><a href="http://www.downriver.org/"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">www.downriver.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">George LOVES
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lynn</st1:place></st1:city> and to
witness the teamwork between them is magical.
With <st1:city w:st="on">Lynn</st1:city> at the helm, George has earned
two scores of 98/100 – the highest scores <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lynn</st1:place></st1:city>
has earned with a dog of ANY breed in her 20++ years of trialing. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lynn</st1:place></st1:city>, thank you so much for making my Boy George shine!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Herding
competitors are supportive of each other and have been very accepting of George
who, as a boxer, is definitely the odd man out among all the Aussies, Cattle
Dogs, Border Collies, etc. I will always
remember a trial weekend when a group of fellow competitors said they adored
George and wanted to wear “I heart George” T-shirts. It was one of those weekends which makes you
smile until it hurts!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I've spent
umpteen hours in my role as a “hockey mum” chauffeuring George to lessons with <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lynn</st1:place></st1:city> and observing and
learning. All my time observing <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lynn</st1:place></st1:city>'s interaction with
George has definitely helped me in my current “journey” with the first dog I'm
working with myself in herding (my dog, Jet).
However, “seeing” and “doing” are two different things and I've
certainly stumbled along the way! But now,
after a few months, Jet and I are becoming more simpatico and the training
frustrations are becoming less and the celebrations becoming more
frequent. One day you'll be euphoric
about your beautiful run or training session and the next day your ego will be
squashed like a bug! This sport keeps
you humble that's for sure. But, it's
the days when you and your dog are working as a team or when you make a
training breakthrough that keep you coming back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Unlike in conformation
and other performance sports, in herding there is the additional factor of the
livestock to consider. The livestock are
intelligent, thinking creatures. They
are affected by the weather, the time of day, the “draws” on the field, how
they were treated by a dog and handler the last time they were worked, their
perception of the dog, their confidence in the handler's ability to control the
dog and numerous other factors. Also, on
the last day of a trial weekend, the livestock may be cranky and be more likely
to challenge the dog. These are factors
which just don't come into play in any other dog sport!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">In May 2012
Lynn Leach and I embarked on a 3 week herding road trip down the west coast of
the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lynn</st1:place></st1:city>
was scheduled to teach a number of herding clinics enroute – including a
herding clinic for boxers! It was going
to be a real highlight of the trip and a breed first. I was soooo looking forward to it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sadly,
George was unable to participate in that boxer herding clinic due to the events
that transpired. A couple of days before
the boxer herding clinic, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lynn</st1:place></st1:city>
and I discovered George having cluster seizures. George had never had seizures before. To make a long story short, George was
diagnosed in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state>
with a brain tumour by three different veterinarians (including a
neurologist). I was completely and
utterly devastated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Upon my
return home to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city>,
I took George to my own vet to discuss palliative care and the timing of
euthanasia. After examining George, my
vet excused himself from the exam room and returned holding a pharmacology book
opened to a particular page. Pointing at
the page, he said “read this”. I read
the indicated passage and things started clicking into place. George’s seizures, goose stepping and stiffness
were text book symptoms of Metronidazole (Flagyl) toxicity! Since being diagnosed the previous year with
Irritable Bowel Disease, George had been prescribed Flagyl and he was no longer
tolerating it. No brain tumour!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">My vet has
always been a superstar in my eyes and he really came through for George this
time. Unfortunately, George had been
prescribed Phenobarbital by one of the vets in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state>.
The process then began to wean George from the Phenobarbital, a long
process which in itself can cause seizures.
During that time, George was to be kept quiet and his activity was to be
restricted to leash walks only. Nine
long weeks later, the weaning process was complete.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lynn Leach
spent the summer of 2012 in <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place> teaching
herding clinics and judging. She
returned back to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">British Columbia</st1:place></st1:state>
in time to work with George for only 2 brief training sessions and then we
headed out on a road trip for a weekend of CKC trials. We really weren’t expecting much from George
that weekend because he’d been sidelined for so long. But, with CKC herding trials being so few and
far between, off we went!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">George was
dubbed "The Comeback Kid" by fellow competitors that weekend! I was BEYOND thrilled to see George back
working and enjoying his favourite activity after his recent trials and
tribulations. After such a long hiatus
from training and activity, George’s stamina wasn’t great. But he tried hard - and came through in
spades. He won the coveted award of High
Combined Score! His combined score for
the weekend was a whopping 71.5 points ahead of the next highest scoring
dog. George also won a Reserve High in
Trial, earned another 7 points towards his Herding Championship and another 5
points towards his Herding Excellent title!
To say that he surpassed our expectations would be an
understatement! Good Boy George!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">The 2012
CKC herding trial season is now over.
The next opportunity to enter CKC trials will be in May 2013 and George
will be 9 years old then. And, God
willing, George will be there! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">It’s
wonderful to see more and more people giving herding a try with their
boxers. Boxers are “wicked smart” and truly
a versatile breed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">It may
appear to the uninitiated that herding folk are crazy. Why else would we don multiple layers of
clothing and smelly rain gear to traipse out into a mucky field? And to have our sometimes “overly
enthusiastic” dog push the sheep into us - and sometimes over us! To finish our training session with mud and
muck in unmentionable places. It’s not
because we’re fashionistas that’s for darn sure. It’s because herding is an addiction, that’s
why. Pure and simple. And, thankfully, it’s an addiction for which
there is no cure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Photo</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> #1:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“George” is also known as JEMS Culture Club CGN CD RA HA HAsd SDS Am. RA
RLFI‑s HTDI‑s HRDII‑s VB VBX<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">By MBIS/MBISS Am. Ch. JEMS Pearl Jam LOM ex MBIS/BISS Am. Can. Ch.
Stevenstars-N-JEMS Crown Royal DOM DOMC HIC<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bred by Cheryl Jennings (JEMS Canada), Dianna Emmons (JEMS U.S.A.),
Marcella Mushovic and Beth Ann Mushovic<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGxS05zVRKnPGXers-svRj9hXKOGmGVzwUj-lxMPEzqeSAwUKLpouJ77yxaHtgJRFU1HGwKTknsCT4cI0kQ44NZpxXh2LUFDmZxUXl2is7zGjTc-VIY5Wowj5GVsPpt88VyE7RYGnLRxM/s1600/Photo+1+George+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGxS05zVRKnPGXers-svRj9hXKOGmGVzwUj-lxMPEzqeSAwUKLpouJ77yxaHtgJRFU1HGwKTknsCT4cI0kQ44NZpxXh2LUFDmZxUXl2is7zGjTc-VIY5Wowj5GVsPpt88VyE7RYGnLRxM/s320/Photo+1+George+(2).jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span id="goog_1207592596"></span><span id="goog_1207592597"></span><br /></span>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Photo
#2:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">May 2010, Laidlaw, British Columbia: 2 High in Trial awards (cattle and sheep), 1
Reserve High in Trial, High Combined Stockdog!
L to R - Judge Terry Kenney (California), Lynn Leach (Downriver Farm),
George, Judge Steve Waltenburg (California)</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDhHhnEf5Rl5ZZ18NkqwG3S_rD5LhkBI6DyDnuUEMmb60raaYqY_mPCS5R4b8E6qf-MgPdz2EEEFIth7NY0Q3eMoykAf1IwGfA5tqEJ9zPZiicKQaHo2jFUppVST6u8ptMVJT1g_Sld41/s1600/Photo+2+George+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDhHhnEf5Rl5ZZ18NkqwG3S_rD5LhkBI6DyDnuUEMmb60raaYqY_mPCS5R4b8E6qf-MgPdz2EEEFIth7NY0Q3eMoykAf1IwGfA5tqEJ9zPZiicKQaHo2jFUppVST6u8ptMVJT1g_Sld41/s320/Photo+2+George+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Photo
#3:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">"The
Standoff"<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">George (60 pounds) faces off with a
North Country Cheviot ewe (180 pounds)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Score:
George-1, Ewe-0</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6mdMEvEGO05-1Cmw7Ypyy-MV4IFtYr0H2ql5e5QcSXtFsliFw-Xo6i8MiavlP_vKKGaeuKsORZ-78ET6AYDcOiVzqm7Zd-2ci62v7-LPiAADXcVIQyYFIP_tKyIogVia_Hc5eSfsgr7u/s1600/Photo+3+George+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6mdMEvEGO05-1Cmw7Ypyy-MV4IFtYr0H2ql5e5QcSXtFsliFw-Xo6i8MiavlP_vKKGaeuKsORZ-78ET6AYDcOiVzqm7Zd-2ci62v7-LPiAADXcVIQyYFIP_tKyIogVia_Hc5eSfsgr7u/s320/Photo+3+George+(2).jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Photo
#4:</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Celebrating
Boy George’s “Comeback Tour”!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">September
2012<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Our
happiness about George’s wins took a definite back seat to our joy about his
return to good health!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">L to R -
Judge Nancy Ward (Washington), Louise Watson, George, Lynn Leach
(trainer/handler extraordinaire), Judge Ron Fischer (Washington)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-25508482425496347782012-10-24T17:48:00.000-07:002012-10-24T17:48:45.490-07:00Urgent Message for California Regional Goers!<br />
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial;">Once again we're approaching the dates for an ABC show, the 2012 <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state> Regional.
Fortunately for those of us in the West we are within driving distance this
time, some still a ways away, but doable.<br />
<br />
We know however that in the not too distant future loom at least two years of
shows in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Indianapolis</st1:city></st1:place>
– right at 2200 miles for me. Did anyone happen to catch the price of gas
today? Over $5.00 a gallon here in CA.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<br />
We westerners have been patient – more than patient – for some 14 years, and the time is NOW
to implement a change. Everyone PLEASE, if you are going to be at the Regional
and are an ABC member, make it to the membership meeting. Another motion is
going to be made re contracting with the <st1:city w:st="on">Topeka</st1:city>
site to begin with the year following the two now contracted for in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state> (2015). Not
around the corner, but the 1640 plus or minus miles from here to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Topeka</st1:place></st1:city> and essentially
the same from the other coast is drivable in a reasonable amount of time.<br />
<br />
Let's put this long overdue issue to rest and implement the change the ABC membership
voted for in 1998.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cheryl A. Cates<br />
All Breed Professional Handler<br />
<a href="http://www.encoreboxers.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.EncoreBoxers.com/</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-14606924263870980312012-09-08T13:48:00.001-07:002012-09-08T13:49:31.857-07:00A Herding We Will Go! Wendy Morawski * Skidoo Boxers * Vallejo, California <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">I have to start off by saying THANK
YOU to Reegan Ray and Diane Stephens for pushing the ABC to petition the AKC to
allow Boxers to compete for AKC herding titles. Without their hard work, talent
and “stick-to-itiveness,” this would never have happened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
My friend Melissa Sheehan was the first one to get interested in trying her
hand at herding, and asked me if I'd like to go with her and her Boxer Ava
for the Herding Instinct Test when two openings became available. I said sure,
not really knowing much about the test.<br />
<br />
The trainer who was to conduct the test was AKC herding judge Debbie Pollard.
She said she had heard of Pip the Boxer in Southern California and George in <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country>, but
hadn’t as yet tested any Boxers. Anyway, I took Monica to be tested; she did
super and seemed totally thrilled with herding. Ava also passed, so Melissa and
I decided to sign up for lessons.<br />
<br />
Monica was fabulous, and was enjoying every second of it and I think she
actually impressed Deb who I don’t think was totally convinced of the idea of Boxers
as herders.<br />
<br />
But gradually, when Monica realized she wasn’t allowed to actually bring down one
of the sheep, she totally lost interest. That’s when Monica’s daughter Suzie
was tested. Like her dam, Suzie had tremendous prey drive, but I didn’t know if
herding would hold her interest, either; you know Boxers – they are easily
bored and even more easily side-tracked. <br />
<br />
With Deb’s input, I decided to continue on with Suzie. After all, Monica was
over 7 years old and deserved to call the shots on her own “hobby.” So we
trained every week, rain or shine (in rain we were in a big barn). After a
short while, I think Suzie started to really get Debbie's respect because she
saw in Suzie the potential to be good at it – she had the drive needed but
also would obey commands when given. Meanwhile Suzie had finished her
Championship so it was a great outlet for us both. Suzie needed a job and I needed
a pastime we both enjoyed.<br />
<br />
The first two trials of the year were coming up and Debbie said she
thought Suzie was ready to be entered in them, so my friend Dianne Haas with
her dog Hooch and Suzie and I entered our first herding trial. This trial would
be judged by two different judges and was a Pass/Fail. Well the big day arrived
and of course it was super hot but we arrived with cool-coats, ice, water and
shade clothes. Hooch was the first to be judged, he is a very happy Boxer who
enjoys life to the fullest, we were out in a field for the judging and Hooch
did the Boxer happy dance in between his rounds of herding. He finished to a big
round of applause and qualified on day one. Next it was Suzie's turn and
frankly she shocked me: she listened to her commands and people watching and
seeing Boxers herd for the first time commented on how well she was working.
Suzie finished to another round of applause from all<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the people watching, and she
qualified, too.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Next day, basically the same
routine and both Boxers qualified once again, so now Suzie and Hooch had their
HT titles (Approved AKC Herding Tested) – the “baby” titles. I might add that Melissa,
who had first got us interested, had bred her boxer Ava, so she had quit
working her and had brought one of her other boxers. Unfortunately, like Monica,
Melissa’s other Boxer wasn’t interested – kinda like conformation, some just
don’t care for it. Melissa will start up again as soon as Ava’s pups are in their
new homes.<br />
<br />
Then Debbie told me there were two new trials coming up and she thought Suzie
was ready as she was working the fence well, so we went for a more advanced
lesson. Oops! Suzie was naughty and got into BIG trouble with Debbie. Instead of
keeping the sheep together, Suzie chased one but even though Debbie yelled at
her, I could see a bond of mutual respect forming between dog and trainer.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Hooch came down with kennel cough
so didn’t enter and once again it was hotter than blazes, but off Suzie and I
went. This time Suzie was perfect, she did the sit at the start while the
sheep were let into the field and she waited until Debbie told her to start.
Suzie had to herd the sheep between two panels keeping them on the fence line,
halt and stand waiting to be allowed to continue, reverse the sheep and bring
them back toward their<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>shed,
sit and wait while Debbie opened the pen for the sheep and then told her
to come and sit while her leash was put on.<br />
<br />
The judge said she was not only a very pretty Boxer, but worked better than any
others she had seen, and my chest puffed out. One more trial tomorrow with a
new judge.<br />
<br />
It was now Sunday morning and about 100 degrees and after packing fans, ice,
cool-coats, etc, we were off. Same work
pattern as the day before and if possible Suzie was even better. When one of
the sheep decided to do a u-turn Suzie immediately brought it back to join the
others. Suzie qualified again with *Very
Nice Boxer* written on her sheet by the judge. Suzie now had her PT and HT AKC
titles. PT stands for Pre-Trial, so now she goes on to the REAL trials where
she has to pen the sheep, move them and so on. All I know is it’s very involved
and I really hope Suzie continues to like her job. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Suzie’s registered name is CH. Skidoo's In Your Face,
HT, PT. She is the first AKC champion
Boxer to get herding titles plus the first owned by an ABC member…and you’re
darned right I am proud of her!!<br />
<br />
The Boxer – The Dog for All Seasons and All Reasons!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955843581849132610.post-18409933000185856122012-08-19T12:01:00.002-07:002012-08-19T12:24:53.011-07:00Animal Rights versus Animal Welfare: The BIG Difference!<br />
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I belong to an online canine genetics discussion group whose purpose is to<span style="background: white;"> acquaint </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">dog breeders with the dangers
of inbreeding and the overuse of popular sires (</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Canine-Genetics" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc;">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Canine-Genetics</span></a>).
Many of the list members hail from the UK and Continental Europe, where in a
number of countries, exhibitors can no longer show cropped and docked dogs; and
where in one country, the UK, the BOB winners in several breeds were
disqualified from Group competition at Crufts, THE prestigious championship
show of the year, because they were deemed in a Kennel Club mandated inspection
by a GP vet to have visible “health” issues such as ectropion. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">After the Crufts disqualifications took place
there was a lot of discussion on the genetics list about breeds that have
become so “extreme” that their exaggerated features have literally become
health defects: e.g., super short noses in bulldogs and pugs that result in breathing difficulties; excessive skin folds in Shar-pei that contribute to
chronic skin problems; grossly over-angulated rears in GSD’s, etc. A number of posters
applauded the efforts of the UK KC to “regulate” <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country> breeders and breed standards, in
order to eliminate what those list members considered harmful and cruel
exaggerations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Ironically, at the same time on the same list,
other list members were urging us to post comments on the USDA (US Department
of Agriculture) website in opposition to a proposed USDA/APHIS (<span style="background: white;">Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) rule whose
unintended consequences would be to literally criminalize many small hobby and
show breeders, despite that it was supposedly aimed at regulating large-scale,
commercial “internet” breeders. <span class="apple-converted-space"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The juxtaposition of these two issues on the
list – both of which centered around regulating breeders in the name of animal
welfare – made me wonder if animal welfare advocates in other countries realized just how dangerous to our way of life the animal rights movement was here in the
United States. Surely no one is in favor of creating dogs whose extreme
features cause them physical distress; and perhaps AR activists in other
countries are only concerned with animal cruelty (?); but in the <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country>, they truly
want to stop all breeding and ownership of domestic animals, which they
consider tantamount to human slavery. That's why I get my back up when well-meaning
people who want to eliminate extreme breed characteristics suggest that we
identify and inspect certain breeds at shows to prevent any deviation
from a norm established by “breed experts” and vets; and police breeders to
make sure they're adhering to regulations established by some central authority
– the UK Kennel Club, the AKC, the FCI, the USDA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">In this blog, two noted US hobby breeders – Sharyn
Hutchens of Timbreblue Whippets in Virginia and Judy Voran of Strawberry Boxers
in Arizona, explain how the AR movement works to achieve its aims in the US and
Canada: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
Effect of the USDA/APHIS Proposal on Small Hobby & Show Breeders</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Sharyn Hutchens, Timbreblue Whippets, <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Virginia</st1:place></st1:state><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">This APHIS proposal would apply to anyone who
owns or co-owns four (4) intact bitches, regardless of age, and requires that
the buyer personally go to the “premises” where the puppy was whelped and
raised to make the purchase. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">For every "large internet breeder"
who will fall under this rule, the sacrifice will be dozens if not hundreds of
hobby breeders who are working very hard to keep our breeds healthy.
Furthermore, it will limit people's choices to 1) common breeds they can find
locally and breeders they can visit personally; or 2) large USDA inspected
breeders who will be able to ship the less common breeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">We don't ship our puppies, but I have
occasionally met someone halfway -- usually someone who has bought a puppy from
us before. The owners from New York, Texas, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Florida who
have flown in to buy puppies from us and take them home in carriers (several of
them more than once) would now have to fly in, rent a car and drive 50 miles to
our home – our town does not have an airport – and possibly spend an overnight
before being able to get a flight back out. Or they could buy a whippet from a
pet store, I suppose. This would be better, how? The elderly couple from <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Maryland</st1:place></st1:state> who have bought
two adult whippets from us would not have them today – they are not able to
drive the six hours to our home, so I took the dogs to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">My second breed is the Cirneco dell’ Etna, a
rare sighthound. There are only about 800 of them, I am told, in the country.
After much research, I recently bought my first one from a breeder who met me
at a show. The dog is simply delightful and the breeder and I have become close
friends. But if these regulations had been in place, I wouldn't own this dog.
First, the woman I bought her from is the co-breeder. The puppies were whelped
and raised to eight weeks at the home of the other co-breeder. So the woman who
sold me the puppy was technically selling me a puppy that was not "born
and raised on her premises." And of course, she could certainly not have
turned over the puppy to me at a dog show. The whole experience of buying this
puppy and learning to love a new breed has been the highlight of my year. But
it would be totally illegal if the regulations go into effect. How would this
have been better for anyone at all? Certainly it would not have been better for
me or my puppy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Before my husband and I will give up our
privacy and allow federal inspectors into our home, we will quit breeding. It
has been my life for 30 years or more and I'm proud to say we have been strong
advocates of genetic diversity for years. But my freedom and privacy are worth
more to me even than dog breeding. As another list member pointed out, we do
not allow the federal government to come into our homes to inspect how our
children are raised – why on earth would we allow it simply because we breed a
litter of dogs every now and then? And before you say it, no, of course we have
nothing to hide. People come to our home frequently to meet our dogs, learn
about whippets, and occasionally to buy puppies. The point is that we are
Americans, and this country is based on freedom. How easily some of us would
give that away!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">There will always be bad breeders, just as
there will always be child abusers, murderers, and rapists. We live in an
imperfect world. But bad breeders are the responsibility of animal control,
just as abusers, murderers and rapists are the responsibility of the police. We
do not allow the government to "inspect" innocent people just in case
something bad might be going on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">What bothers me most about the people who
believe these new regulations are a good idea is that they apparently believe
trading our constitutional rights for some minimal reduction in bad pet breeding
practices is okay. And the ironic part is that in the end, it is the animals
who will suffer. Typical animal rights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">And the other irony in this is that there have
been NO studies to discover whether "sight unseen internet sales" are
a serious problem, much less a large enough problem to justify this kind of
invasion of privacy. NONE. The USDA has some anecdotal evidence provided by
HSUS. Period. And we make regulations for thousands of breeders based on that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">_<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">On Mon, Jul 30, 2012 at 10:44 AM, <b>Judy Voran</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>posted the following to the
Showboxer-L email list:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I am posting this link to a court ruling in California
involving the Humane Society of the United States because I think that members
of this list [Cangen] whose experiences are with their residence in other
countries do not understand the threat to animal ownership in the United
States. The threat is real and it is serious. Well-funded
organizations here in the <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country>
are focused on outlawing any kind of animal ownership or sport.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.sbsun.com/sports/ci_21169780/tables-turned-humane-society?source=rss" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.sbsun.com/sports/ci_21169780/tables-turned-humane-society?source=rss</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: 11.0pt;">_._,_.___<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tables turned on
Humane Society<span style="color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt;">LOS ANGELES DAILY TIMES</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt;">Jim Matthews, Outdoors</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt;">Posted: 07/26/2012 08:32:04 PM PDT</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt;">Updated: 07/27/2012 03:06:28 PM PDT</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_21169780" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc;">http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_21169780</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">The Humane Society of the United States, an
organization that does next to nothing for animal shelters but sues, badgers
and lobbies politicians and businesses into adopting its radical animals rights
agenda, is getting a taste of its own medicine.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">In a little-reported ruling by a judge in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">District of Columbia</st1:state></st1:place>
earlier this month, the HSUS is going to court to face charges under RICO
statues on racketeering, obstruction of justice, malicious prosecution and
other charges for a lawsuit it brought and lost against Ringling Brothers
Circus'<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>parent company Feld
Entertainment, Inc.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">After winning the case alleging mistreatment of
elephants in its circuses</span> <span style="background: white;">brought by
Friends of Animals (later merged into HSUS), the American Society<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA) and the Animal Welfare<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Institute
(AWI), lawyers at Feld filed a countersuit with a litany of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>charges ranging from bribery to money
laundering to racketeering. The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>attorneys
for the animal rights groups asked the judge to dismiss all<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background: white;">charges, but most remained because the evidence
was overwhelming. So in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>early
August, HSUS will be facing the music in a case that should attract<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the attention of hunters, ranchers,
farmers and anyone impacted by HSUS'<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>radical
animal rights agenda.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">District judge Emmet G. Sullivan did dismiss
allegations of mail and wire</span> <span style="background: white;">fraud, but
he did so only because Feld didn't have standing to file this<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>charge. His ruling all but set the stage
for a class-action</span> <span style="background: white;">RICO lawsuit against
HSUS for misrepresenting itself in its fundraising</span> <span style="background: white;">campaigns across the nation. This lawsuit easily could
bankrupt HSUS, put it<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>out of
business and send some of its top executives to prison.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">For the first time, a group has fought back
against the animal rights and</span> <span style="background: white;">environmental
extremists who have been setting policy in this country for</span> <span style="background: white;">the past 20 years or more. Now, instead of getting
rich off their lawsuits<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and
fundraising schemes that misrepresent their efforts and accomplishments,</span>
<span style="background: white;">they could be driven out of business. These
groups have cost the farming and</span> <span style="background: white;">ranching
industry jobs and raised the price of products we buy every day. They are
behind the efforts to ban sport hunting across the nation. They<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>have forced state wildlife and fishery
agencies to waste countless millions<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of
dollars on lawsuits and have spearheaded policies and legislation like<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA),
which has ruined livelihoods in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>recreational
and commercial fishing without helping marine resources.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">These groups operate with surly arrogance and
believe they are above the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>law.
Thankfully, that is not the case. Stay tuned. </span></span></span></div>
Virginia Zurfliehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02111069072476240750noreply@blogger.com0