HOT Topics

WHEREAS, there is a need to clarify the requirements to become a
> GRCA member club,
>
> RESOLUTION 12-02
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that a local Golden Retriever specialty club,
> wishing to become a GRCA Provisional Club, must provide the GRCA
> Secretary with the following:
>
> 1. A letter from the applicant Club's Secretary requesting membership
> as a GRCA Provisional Club.
>
> 2. A completed and signed GRCA Provisional Club Application Form.
>
> 3. A copy of the letter from AKC approving them to hold informal Plan
> B events.
>
> 4. A copy of the letter from AKC approving the Club's name and their
> assigned territory.
>
> 5. A list of the Club's officers, directors, GRCA delegate, Puppy
> Referral representative and their addresses, phone numbers and e-mail
> addresses.
>
> 6. A copy of the Club's membership list with addresses and phone
> numbers listed and GRCA members noted. At least 50% of the Club's
> members must be members of GRCA.
>
> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a GRCA Provisional Club wishing to become a
> GRCA Member Club must provide the GRCA Secretary with the following:
>
> 1. A completed and signed GRCA Member Club Application Form.
>
> 2. A copy of the letter giving licensed event approval from AKC.
>
> 3. A list of officers, directors, GRCA delegate, Puppy Referral
> representatives and their addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
>
> 4. A copy of the minutes of the Club's first meeting including the
> date
>
> 5. A Club Resume stating the qualifications of club members in various
> dog related activities.
>
> 6. A Mission Statement of the Club.
>
> 7. A copy of the Club's By-laws.
>
>
> 8. A copy of the Club's membership list with addresses and phone
> numbers listed and GRCA members noted. At least 50% of the Club's
> members must be members of GRCA.
>
> 9. A copy of the AKC letter approving the By-laws of the Club.
>
> Motion by: Peacock Seconded by: Blythe
>
> Approve: Unanimous
>
>
> Approved: 01/20/12
>

WHEREAS, the GRCA website was down due to the failure of the
> web host server, Daily Razor, and
>
> WHEREAS, there is a need to move the GRCA website to a new and more
> reliable server, and
>
> WHEREAS, Janette Stubelt, the GRCA webmaster has submitted a proposal
> which includes downloading all the GRCA information from Daily Razor and
> uploading the GRCA website to a new web server, amounting to
> approximately one week (40 hours) of work
>
> RESOLUTION 12-01
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that GRCA purchase the Enterprise Plan for
> hosting the GRCA website from hostgator.com at a cost of $15.00 per
> month, and
>
> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that GRCA accept the proposal from Janette
> Stubelt to re-establish the GRCA website onto the new server, to include
> approximately 40 hours of work, with costs not to exceed $1,000.00.
>
> Motion by: Story Seconded by: Caldwell
>
> Approve: Unanimous
>
> Approved: 01/20/12

WHEREAS, Deb Ascher has submitted a letter of resignation from
> the position of GRCA Membership Administrator, and
>
> WHEREAS, Christina Haberstich, was the most qualified of several
> outstanding applicants for this position,
>
> RESOLUTION 12-06
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board accept the resignation of Deb
> Ascher, with grateful thanks for her many years of dedicated service to
> GRCA, and
>
> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Board contract with Christina Haberstich of
> Picatonica, IL to fulfill the duties of GRCA Membership Administrator at
> an hourly contracted rate of $18.00 per hour.
>

WHEREAS, there is a vacancy in the position of Internet Watchdog,
> and
>
> WHEREAS, Kathy Hearn of Ontario, NY is well qualified to fill this
> position and has generously volunteered her services
>
> RESOLUTION 12-05
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED Kathy Hearn of Ontario, NY be appointed to the
> position of Internet Watchdog.
>

WHEREAS, the National and Regional Specialty trophies are valued
> icons, but the display, storage, shipping, maintenance, insurance and
> related expenses, of these trophies requires a considerable logistical
> endeavor and expense,
>
> RESOLUTION 12-04
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that a Trophy Review Committee be established as
> an ad hoc committee, to explore and recommend simplified and improved
> procedures for displaying, storing, shipping and maintaining the
> trophies, and
>
> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Vickie Carson, Ann Strathern, Steve Bolton,
> Barbara Branstad and John Cotter be appointed to the Trophy Review
> Committee, and
>
> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Trophy Review Committee report their
> findings to the Board of Directors by June 1, 2012.
>
>
> MAILED: 01/20/12
>
> DEADLINE: 02/02/12
>

URGENT
>
> On Monday, January 23, at 7:30 p.m. PT, until Tuesday, January 24, at
> 6:30 a.m. PT, the GRCA Store will not be available for new orders or for
> reviewing orders due to a system update.
>
> Chris Miele
> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
>
>
> MEMBERSHIP DUES
>
> Don't forget to renew your membership. You may renew by mail or online
> by going to grcamembership.org

The following are individuals who have applied for membership in GRCA.
> In accordance with the passage of Res. 04-03, their names are being
> posted to allow for comments. If you have any reason why you feel any of
> these individuals should not be admitted into GRCA membership, please
> contact a Board member and outline your concerns.
>
> Janet Peacock
> Secretary
> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
>
> Carol Atkinson
> FL
>
> Debbie Baker
> CA
>
> Melanie Brittain
> GA
>
> Lyle Epstein
> NV
>
> Betsy Gilbert
> Thom Gilbert
> KY
>
> Lynn Goulding
> VT
>
> Kirsten Marie Grande
> WI
>
> Jean G Haugland
> TX
>
> Doug Hippler
> MO
>
> Pamela Jaecksch
> John Jaecksch
> GA
>
> Garnet E King
> IN
>
> Sandra Nordstrom
> TX
>
> Lloyd Patterson
> CO
>
> Elaine Poser
> Ray Poser
> MT
>
> Lindsey P Ryan
> IL
>
> Barbara Thornberry
> William Thornberry
> AZ
>
> Judy Turenne
> KY
>
> Jim Walker
> AL
>
> Donna Wicker
> CO
>
> Janet Arkless Wilson
> Claire Wilson
> CA
>
>
> Andrew Adams
> Katie McCullough
> IL
>
> Cathy Anderson
> CA
>
> Janet E Barber
> NY
>
> David Binder
> TN
>
> Trudy Craig
> IL
>
> Susan W Crum
> MA
>
> Wendy G Day
> OH
>
> Jodi Ebans
> WI
>
> Cheryl Laudert
> AK
>
> Crystal Marshall
> AZ
>
> Renee Massey
> PA
>
> Debra McNamee
> SC
>
> Kathy MIner
> AB Canada
>
> Sarah Nuernberger
> CA
>
> Mariilyn Ormond
> CA
>
> Carol A Parkinson
> PA
>
> Dr Teresa Peace
> VA
>
> Susan D Plonsky
> WI
>
> Joan Provencher
> WI
>
> D.A. Rambo
> TX
>
> Stephanie Schrock
> DE
>
> Karen Scopel
> IL
>

WHEREAS, the Beaumaris kennel of John and Anne Bissette made a
> significant impact on Golden Retrievers and provided the foundation dogs
> for several other breeders, and
>
> WHEREAS, John Bissette has passed away and Anne has retired from
> breeding
>
> RESOLUTION 11-67
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the name of Beaumaris be added to the list
> of historical kennels in the GRCA Kennel Prefix Listing.
>
> Motion by: Brown Seconded by: Blythe
>
> Approved: Unanimous
>
> Approved: 12/21/11

WHEREAS, there are vacancies on the Field Education
> Subcommittee, and
>
> WHEREAS, Dennis McConnell and Marshall Richards are both well
> qualified, and have generously volunteered their services to serve on
> this committee,
>
> RESOLUTION 11-68
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Dennis McConnell and Marshall Richards be
> appointed to the Field Education Subcommittee of the Breed Education
> Committee.
>
> Motion by: Simonson Seconded by: Brown
>
> Approved: Unanimous
>
> Approved: 12/30/11
WHEREAS, there are vacancies on the Field Education
> Subcommittee, and
>
> WHEREAS, Dennis McConnell and Marshall Richards are both well
> qualified, and have generously volunteered their services to serve on
> this committee,
>
> RESOLUTION 11-68
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Dennis McConnell and Marshall Richards be
> appointed to the Field Education Subcommittee of the Breed Education
> Committee.
>
> Motion by: Simonson Seconded by: Brown
>
> Approved: Unanimous
>
> Approved: 12/30/11
WHEREAS, there are vacancies on the Field Education
> Subcommittee, and
>
> WHEREAS, Dennis McConnell and Marshall Richards are both well
> qualified, and have generously volunteered their services to serve on
> this committee,
>
> RESOLUTION 11-68
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Dennis McConnell and Marshall Richards be
> appointed to the Field Education Subcommittee of the Breed Education
> Committee.
>
> Motion by: Simonson Seconded by: Brown
>
> Approved: Unanimous
>
> Approved: 12/30/11

WHEREAS, Ellen Hardin, GRCA's AKC Delegate reports that AKC is
> considering the awarding of a 3-point major to the Reserve Winners Dog
> and the Reserve Winners Bitch at one National Specialty show per year
> designated by the parent club, provided the reserve winners defeat twice
> the number of dogs required to make a 5 point major,
>
> RESOLUTION 11-69
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of Directors is in favor of this
> proposal and will request that GRCA's AKC Delegate vote in favor of this
> proposal.
>
> Motion by: Blythe Seconded by: Brady
>
> Approved: Unanimous

WHEREAS, the GRCA website was down due to the failure of the web
> host server, Daily Razor, and
>
> WHEREAS, there is a need to move the GRCA website to a new and more
> reliable server, and
>
> WHEREAS, Janette Stubelt, the GRCA webmaster has submitted a proposal
> which includes downloading all the GRCA information from Daily Razor and
> uploading the GRCA website to a new web server, amounting to
> approximately one week (40 hours) of work
>
> RESOLUTION 12-01
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that GRCA purchase the Enterprise Plan for
> hosting the GRCA website from hostgator.com at a cost of $15.00 per
> month, and
>
> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that GRCA accept the proposal from Janette
> Stubelt to re-establish the GRCA website onto the new server, to include
> approximately 40 hours of work, with costs not to exceed $1,000.00.
>

> WHEREAS, there is a need to clarify the requirements to become a GRCA
> member club,
>
> RESOLUTION 12-02
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that a local Golden Retriever specialty club,
> wishing to become a GRCA Provisional Club, must provide the GRCA
> Secretary with the following:
>
> 1. A letter from the applicant Club's Secretary requesting membership
> as a GRCA Provisional Club.
>
> 2. A completed and signed GRCA Provisional Club Application Form.
>
> 3. A copy of the letter from AKC approving them to hold informal Plan
> B events.
>
> 4. A copy of the letter from AKC approving the Club's name and their
> assigned territory.
>
> 5. A list of the Club's officers, directors, GRCA delegate, Puppy
> Referral representative and their addresses, phone numbers and e-mail
> addresses.
>
> 6. A copy of the Club's membership list with addresses and phone
> numbers listed and GRCA members noted. At least 50% of the Club's
> members must be members of GRCA.
>
> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a GRCA Provisional Club wishing to become a
> GRCA Member Club must provide the GRCA Secretary with the following:
>
> 1. A completed and signed GRCA Member Club Application Form.
>
> 2. A copy of the letter giving licensed event approval from AKC.
>
> 3. A list of officers, directors, GRCA delegate, Puppy Referral
> representatives and their addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
>
> 4. A copy of the minutes of the Club's first meeting including the
> date
>
> 5. A Club Resume stating the qualifications of club members in various
> dog related activities.
>
> 6. A Mission Statement of the Club.
>
> 7. A copy of the Club's By-laws.
>
>
> Resolution 12-02 Page 2
> (Clarifying requirements to become a GRCA member club)
>
>
> 8. A copy of the Club's membership list with addresses and phone
> numbers listed and GRCA members noted. At least 50% of the Club's
> members must be members of GRCA.
>
> 9. A copy of the AKC letter approving the By-laws of the Club.
>
>
>
> APPROVE________ DISAPPROVE________ ABSTAIN________
>
> MAILED: 01/06/12

WHEREAS, the Greater Twin Cities Golden Retriever Club has
> expressed an interest in hosting the 2015 National Specialty, and have
> requested that GRCA's National Specialty Director visit them to discuss
> the details of running a National Specialty,
>
> RESOLUTION 12-03
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that GRCA's National Specialty Director, Sharon
> Bolton, be requested to travel to Minnesota to meet with the Greater
> Twin Cities Golden Retriever Club regarding the 2015 National Specialty,
> and
>
> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that GRCA reimburse the National Specialty
> Director for her travel expenses not to exceed $800.00.
>

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

Don't forget to renew your 2012 membership. You may renew online by
going to grcamembership.org or renew by mailing in your membership
renewal form.

GRCA GOLD STANDARD AWARD

The deadline for the annual GRCA Gold Standard Award is February of each
year. This award is presented to honor a Golden Retriever who performs
honorable, heroic acts or who enriches, inspires or contributes to the
lives of individuals and communities during the previous year's period.
The owner of a nominated dog need
not be a GRCA member. Nominations should be in the form of a 500-word or
less description of how the Golden Retriever has demonstrated
excellence. Please include photo of the dog, dog's name, sex, age and
AKC number, owner's name, address and telephone number (email address if
applicable), and the name, address, telephone number (and email address)
of the GRCA member making the nomination. Nominations must be postmarked
by February 15, 2012 and mailed to the Secretary, Janet Peacock, 16
Desvio Court, Pacifica, CA 94044-4229 or submitted electronically by
email. The Board of Directors shall determine the winning nomination
at the Mid Year Board Meeting.

Questions? Contact the Secretary at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

From AKC

January 3, 2012

http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4543
The American Kennel Club and our Washington, D.C.-based advocacy team
continue to closely monitor the federal Puppy Uniform Protection and
Safety (PUPS) legislation introduced last spring as Senate Bill 707
(S.707) and House Bill 835 (H.R. 835). Each of the bills has been
assigned to the Agriculture Committees of their respective chambers. To
date, no hearings have been scheduled and no formal action has been
taken on this bill.

PUPS would purportedly require anyone who owns or co-owns dogs that
produce 50 or more puppies offered for sale in a 12-month period to be
regulated under existing USDA dog "dealer" regulations. These
regulations are designed for high-volume commercial kennels that produce
puppies for wholesale, and require a USDA commercial license,
maintenance of specified commercial kennel engineering standards and
regular inspections.

The AKC does not oppose the general concept of reasonable regulations
for high volume breeder/retailers. However, the PUPS bill is misleading
because such regulations would hurt responsible small breeders who raise
only a few litters of puppies each year in their homes, while also
reducing the availability of resources needed to enforce against abusive
or negligent operations.

The AKC also has a number of serious concerns with the bill as
introduced and does not support this measure. These concerns include:
. Definition of "breeding female" as an intact female dog aged 4 months
or older. This definition is misleading because female dogs are not
sufficiently mature at 4 months of age to be bred. Additionally, such a
definition should not be necessary if a "high volume retail breeder" is
to be based on sales, rather than the number of dogs owned.

. Definition of "high volume retail breeder" as someone with "an
ownership interest in or custody of one or more breeding female dogs."
This definition is overly broad and does not take into account the
tradition of co- and joint ownerships common among dog show
participants, sporting dog trainers, hunting club members, and other
hobbyists. Additionally, a reference to the number of dogs owned by a
breeder is unnecessary and potentially misleading in legislation that
does not limit ownership rights per se.

. Current exercise language is overly vague and should be clarified to
ensure that the daily exercise requirements do not preclude use of
legitimate training or exercise equipment or other types of physical
activity.

. This legislation calls for exponentially expanding the numbers of
breeders regulated and inspected by the Animal Care division of the
United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal, Plant and
Health Inspection Service (APHIS). However, a May 2010 audit of this
program by the USDA's own Inspector General demonstrated that the
existing inspections program is insufficient to carry out current
responsibilities. The AKC believes these issues and full funding for the
current program should be addressed before attempting to exponentially
expand the program's responsibilities and workload.

AKC Government Relations and our Washington-based advocates will
continue to closely monitor the activities of key members of Congress,
policy committees, and their staff for any developments regarding PUPS.
We are committed to keeping our constituents updated via email and the
AKC website. Updated information about PUPS and other legislation is
available online at
http://www.akc.org/news/sections/legislative_alerts.cfm or by clicking
on "US Fed" on AKC's online legislative tracking system.

The AKC encourages all responsible dog owners and breeders to stay
active in your community as a role model for responsible dog ownership
and breeding and to educate your legislators about potentially
misleading legislation that could harm responsible dog owners and
breeders.

Although PUPS is not actively being considered in Congress at this time,
we encourage responsible dog owners and breeders to share their concerns
about this measure with their federal representatives. Use the
following links to find out the names and contact information of your
member of Congress and your Senators. For more information on
effectively communicating with your legislators and other tools and
information to help you, please visit the AKC Government Relations
Toolbox and AKC GR newsletters links on the AKC Government Relations
webpage.

View AKC Policy on Responsible Breeding Practices
View AKC issue brief on responsible breeding practices
View AKC issue analysis: The Value of Responsible

December 2011 GRF Update

Secretary Position Opening Up

With regrets, the GRF Board has accepted the resignation of Jennifer
Krawsczyn as GRF Secretary. Jennifer has been a tireless worker for the
Foundation, giving of her time selflessly and creatively to bring you
the Updates, as well as keeping the minutes of every Board meeting,
corresponding with donors and those with an interest in the GRF, working
with the GRNews staff on GRNews notices and ads, maintaining club
records, and being an inspiration to us all with her ability to find the
right words for the right project, every time.

Jennifer has decided to focus her time and energy on family pursuits,
and we will miss her very much as a colleague.

Letters of interest are currently being sought for the upcoming vacancy
in the position of Secretary. If you have a passion for Goldens, and
time to give to work that benefits the breed in so many ways, please
send a note with letter of interest and resume to Nancy Talbott, GRF
President, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Jennifer has graciously agreed to
stay on during this transition time, and we thank her for that
dedication.

Sincerely,
Nancy Talbott, GRF President

On behalf of the GRF Board:

Collette Jaynes, Vice-President
Linda Johnson, Treasurer
Jennifer Krawsczyn, Secretary

APPROVED MAF GRANTS

We recently supported the following grants at Morris Animal Foundation.
These grants were reviewed by the Health and Genetics committee and
their thought on the projects were sent to the GRF for our approval.
Below is a brief description of the 6 grants we are supporting.

D12CA-061, William C. Kisseberth, DVM, PhD, The Ohio State University
"Phase I Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Trial of AR42 in Dogs with
Mast Cell Tumors and Lymphoma"
Note: This study received extremely high rankings from each of our
Health and Genetics Committee members. We are thrilled to be able to
support this, and look forward to possible increased support as time
goes by.

D12CA-033, Barbara Biller, DVM, PhD, Colorado State University
"Monoclodal Antibody Therapy of Canine B-Cell Lymphoma"

D12CA-302, Daisuke Ito, DVM, PhD, University of Minnesota
"CD40 Signaling Pathway as a Therapeutic Target in Canine Diffuse Large
B-Cell Lymphoma"

D12CA-026, Nicola J. Mason, BVetMed, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
"Development of a CD20-Specific Antibody Fragment for Targeted Therapy
of Canine B-Cell Lymphoma"

D12CA-313, Thomas G Koch, DVM, PhD, University of Guelph
"Immunological and Chondrogenic Evaluation of Canine Stem Cells"

D12CA-803, Deborah J Guest, BSc, PhD, Animal Health Trust
"Deriving Canine Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Future Therapeutic
Use and Disease Modelling"

SENIOR CERF UPDATE

The GRF paid for 11 new Senior CERF submissions in November with a total
of 172 since the beginning of the program. As a reminder, there is a
voucher that can be printed from the GRF website and included with a
CERF examination form to get the GRF to pay for CERF registrations for
Goldens 8 years old and older.
http://www.goldenretrieverfoundation.org/downloads/cerfvoucherstatement.pdf

MEMBER CLUB CONTACTS AND OUTREACH

I would like to remind everyone that we would really appreciate these
updates being shared with the members of all the GRCA Member Clubs. If
your Member Club has changed the contact person for receiving
information from GRCA, please let us know. We would like to have all
contacts join the GRF Updates list and share the monthly updates with
your club members via email or even your club's newsletter. If you are
in a club and these updates are not being shared with members by your
club, please help us get this information out to your membership by
finding out who the contact person is and being sure they are on the
GRFUPDATES list (information to join below). We feel it is very
important for all Golden lovers to be updated on what the GRF is doing
to help our breed. Additionally, some of you may want to send updates
out to your puppy buyers as well! Thanks so much!
______________________________________________________________________

Thanks again to everyone who has signed up for the new read-only GRF
Updates list. We would like to see everyone join and we will send out
updates approximately once a month. Please share this update with anyone
you feel may be interested! To join, simply send a blank email to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For more information about the GRF, please visit our website at
http://www.goldenretrieverfoundation.org/ .

Sincerely,
Jennifer Krawsczyn, GRF Secretary
On behalf of the GRF Board:

Nancy Talbott, President

Collette Jaynes, Vice-President
Linda Johnson, Treasurer

DONATION PAGES ON THE WEBSITE
We are pleased to announce that the website glitch concerning donations
on the GRF website has been corrected and the portion concerning who the
donation is in memory/honor of has been corrected. With year-end rolling
around in about a month, this is the perfect time to get your tax
deductible donations made. Just a reminder that we need to receive them
before the end of the year to have them included in our annual
individual totals (which are published in the GR News in the summer each
year unless you request anonymity when making the donation). I'd like to
extend a special thanks to Niome Dubois and Collette Jaynes for working
out the problems on the site.

Speaking of research..
The GRF received the following from Morris Animal Foundation and we
would like to share it with everyone! Thanks to all of you whose
contributions are helping to make this possible!

MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION REPORT ON SAS RESEARCH
MAF shared:
As you are a generous study sponsor, we would like to share the most
recent update from the principal investigator on the project you
sponsored. This condensed update can be shared with donors and members
of your organization, and with anyone interested in animal health.
D09CA-909: Pfizer Animal Health - MAF Fellowship, Identification of a
Genetic Marker for Familial Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis in the Golden
Retriever, Joshua A. Stern, DVM
UPDATE: Morris Animal Foundation and Pfizer Animal Health have partnered
to create a fellowship training program for new veterinary research
scientists. Joshua A. Stern, DVM, a fellowship recipient, is pursuing a
combined PhD in genetics and veterinary cardiology residency at
Washington State University. His research aims to investigate genetic
causes of subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), one of the most common
congenital heart diseases in Golden Retrievers. This project is
progressing on schedule and recruitment of Golden Retrievers for the
study is complete. Using genome-wide analysis of DNA from affected and
healthy Golden Retrievers, Dr. Stern has identified several chromosomal
regions of interest for potential mutations and promising genes where
these mutations may reside. His preliminary data reveal a significant
region of interest on a chromosome that corresponds to SAS in another
breed, implicating the possibility of a shared mutation between breeds.
DNA sequencing of this region is now underway. Identification of genetic
mutations will allow for improved breeding practices and will reduce the
incidence of this cardiovascular disease in future generations of Golden
Retrievers. This fellowship training grant is providing valuable
training for Dr. Stern asa future veterinary researcher.

MORE ON HEART DISEASE RESEARCH
In addition to the above study, we would also like to share a podcast
from Kate Meurs, DVM. The progress made on heart disease in the last
decade for many breeds, including Goldens, has been amazing! The link
is:
http://www.akcchf.org/news-events/multimedia/podcasts/familial-heart-disease.html

ART AUCTION TOTAL
This year's Gala was very successful and we are thrilled to announce
that the art auction made $66,526! This is much more than last year and
we would once more like to thank the Gala Committee and Art Auction
coordinators for their exemplary work at the 2011 National Specialty!
Thanks also to everyone who attended and bought art! Once again, the GRF
could not work to support rescue, research, and education without the
help of all of you!

SENIOR CERF UPDATE
We want to remind everyone that the GRF will pay for the CERF
registration on all Goldens 8 years and older. Please download a voucher
and send it in with your CERF form and the GRF will pay for it! Get a
form on our website at
http://www.goldenretrieverfoundation.org/downloads/cerfvoucherstatement.pdf

In the month of October, there were 12 vouchers submitted with a total
of 161 since the program's start.
______________________________________________________________________________

Thanks again to everyone who has signed up for the new read-only GRF
Updates list. We would like to see everyone join and we will send out
updates approximately once a month. Please share this update with anyone
you feel may be interested! To join, simply send a blank email to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For more information about the GRF, please visit our website at
http://www.goldenretrieverfoundation.org/ .
Sincerely,
Jennifer Krawsczyn, GRF Secretary
On behalf of the GRF Board:

Nancy Talbott, President

Collette Jaynes, Vice-President
Linda Johnson, Treasurer

WHEREAS, AKC has increased the cost of obtaining the awards
> reports used by the GRCA Statisticians and Yearbook Committee, and
>
>
> WHEREAS, the GRCA Statisticians and Yearbook Committee need to have the
> regular awards reports from the AKC in order to compile the necessary
> information to complete the work of their respective committees,
>
>
> RESOLUTION 11-64
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that GRCA purchase the monthly AKC awards reports
> at a cost of $2,100.00 per year.
>
> Motion by: Peacock Seconded by: Brown
>
> Approve: Albin, Blythe, Brady, Brown, Caldwell, Collins,
> Cotter, Peacock, Pickering, Simonson
>
> No vote: Oaks, Story
>
> Approved: 11/18/11

WHEREAS, there is a vacancy in the position of AKC Gazette
> Columnist, and
>
> WHEREAS, Nona Kilgore Bauer is well qualified to fill this position,
> and has generously volunteered her services,
>
> RESOLUTION 11-65
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Nona Kilgore Bauer be appointed as GRCA's
> AKC Gazette Columnist.
>
> Motion by: Caldwell Seconded by: Brown
>
> Approve: Albin, Blythe, Brady, Brown, Caldwell, Collins,
> Cotter, Peacock, Pickering, Simonson
>
> No vote: Oaks, Story
>
> Approved: 11/18/11

WHEREAS, the inaugural AKC Legislative Conference, originally
> scheduled for August 27-28, 2011 was cancelled due to Hurricane Irene,
> and has been rescheduled for January 28-29, 2012, and
>
> WHEREAS, Dean Lake had agreed to represent GRCA at this conference, but
> will be unable to attend on the rescheduled dates, and
>
> WHEREAS, Barb Reichman has agreed to represent GRCA at the conference
>
> RESOLUTION 11-66
>
> BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Barb Reichman be requested to represent GRCA
> at the inaugural AKC Legislative Conference to be held in Raleigh, NC on
> January 28-29, 2012 with the total costs of conference registration fee,
> airfare, lodging and meals not to exceed $700.00
>
> Motion by: Caldwell Seconded by: Brown
>
> Approve: Albin, Blythe, Brady, Brown, Caldwell, Collins,
> Cotter, Oaks, Peacock, Pickering
>
> No vote: Simonson, Story
>
> Approved: 11/25/11
>

From the AKC changes to the Retriever Hunt Test Regulations

November 22, 2011
Changes to Retriever Hunting Test Regulations

At its November meeting, the AKC Board of Directors passed a number of
changes to the Regulations for AKC Retriever Hunting Tests. All changes
become effective January 1, 2012 except #4.

1. CHAPTER 1, SECTION 4. TESTS OFFERED, ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, No
Special Inducements. A hunt test giving club shall not accept an entry
fee other than that published in its premium list or entry form, or in
any way discriminates between entrants. . . . . . . . . . . Except a
club, at its discretion, may allow for a reduced entry fee for dogs
handled by juniors. A junior handler is someone less than 18 years of
age on the first day of the test.
The addition to the "no special inducements" clause allows a club at its
discretion to offer a lower entry fee for junior handlers as a way to
promote youth involvement in the sport.
2a. CHAPTER 2, SECTION 4. SENIOR HUNTER TITLE (SH).
Dogs that have acquired a Senior Hunter title at an AKC licensed or
member Hunting Test are eligible to enter Junior Hunting Tests. No JH
title will be issued.
2b. CHAPTER 2, SECTION 5. MASTER HUNTER TITLE (MH).
Dogs that have acquired a Master Hunter title at an AKC licensed or
member club Hunting Test are eligible to enter Junior and Senior Hunting
Tests. No JH or SH titles will be issued.

This modifies the current Regulation that says once a dog has earned a
title at a higher level, it may not enter lower level tests. The AKC
has received requests from owners with elderly dogs that are no longer
capable of performing at a high level but the owner would like to run
the dog for the enjoyment of the dog and owner. This change may also
find application with a professionally handled dog whose owner would
like to try handling but does not feel comfortable entering a high level
test.
3. CHAPTER 3, SECTION 25. HUNTING TEST COMMITTEE, Weather. Weather is
an important consideration for the hunting test event committee. The
safety of participants and animals is of utmost importance. Extreme
weather such as lightening, strong winds, heat or cold, snow or heavy
rain can create hazardous conditions. The hunting test event committee,
in consultation with the judges, has the responsibility to decide if an
event should be halted due to weather and at what point the event shall
resume. If a weather delay results in an entrant being unable to
participate, the refund of entry fees, in whole or in part, will be at
the discretion of the event committee. If an entire event or part of an
event is cancelled due to weather, the refund of entry fees, in whole or
in part, will be at the discretion of the event committee.
This is meant to clarify that the event committee has the
responsibility of deciding when an event should
be stopped/started due to weather conditions. The event committee also
has the right to decide how to
handle entry fees when weather causes delay or cancelation.
4. EVENT APPLICATION FEE
The AKC Board passed an increase in the event application fee to $35.00
(previously $25.00) for all events held on or after April 1, 2012,
unless the event has been applied for prior to December 12, 2011. The
current Hunt Test Application fee has been in effective since the
beginning of the program in the mid-80s.
5. CHAPTER 3, NEW SECTION 18. Walk Ups. In Senior and Master hunting
tests, a walk up is used to test a dog's steadiness. The bird
represents a surprise situation therefore gunning stations must be well
concealed, utilizing natural cover when possible so that only the bird
may be seen when launched. Birds shall be presented at distances
ranging from 35 to 45 yards of the dog with no attention getting devices
utilized. As the first bird is thrown in a walk up situation, the
handler may give either a verbal or whistle command to steady the dog
once the bird is in the air. Judges shall tell handlers in advance of
the start of judging when it is appropriate to give the steadying
command or whistle. There shall be no walk up test situations in Junior
level tests.
This modification is meant to provide a better explanation regarding
how a walk up should be structured.
6. CHAPTER 3, SECTION 6. Honoring. In Senior and Master Tests every
dog shall honor in at least one hunting situation involving the retrieve
of a marked fall(s) by remaining on the line off-lead while the
working dog retrieves, unless otherwise directed or until dismissed by
the Judges. Only one dog at a time shall be required to honor the
retrieve of the working dog. The honoring dog must be in an area
designated by the judges. The specific position (sitting, lying down,
etc) of the honoring dog will be determined by the handler provided the
honoring dog is positioned to clearly see all the marks without having
to reposition itself. Judges should be careful in establishing the
honoring scenario to maintain adequate distance between dogs.
This modification is meant to clarify that there shall be only one dog
at a time required to honor. It further cautions judges that the
distance between the working and honoring dog should be a
consideration when setting up the test.
7. CHAPTER 5, NEW SECTION 4. Marking and Memory of Birds. In Junior,
Senior and Master Tests, marking and memory of birds are of primary
importance. While dogs may be handled in all three levels of testing,
this is undesirable in marking tests and should be utilized only as a
last recourse to get a bird out of the field. A dog that goes to the
area of the fall, establishes a hunt and finds the bird unaided must be
scored appreciably higher than a dog that has to be handled to the bird.

In conjunction with the inclusion of this general Regulation, the
following Regulation in Chapter 5, Section 4, Junior Hunting tests,
paragraph 2 is eliminated - Junior Hunting dogs shall not be handled on
more than one mark.
This change is meant to clarify that since marking is of primary
importance, dogs that do not require handling on marked retrieves must
be scored higher than dogs that require handling. This general
statement is true for all three testing levels. The current statement
in the Junior section implies that a Junior dog may be handled to one
mark and receive the same score as a dog that performs in a similar
manner but without handling. The current statement has caused confusion
and has been eliminated.
8. CHAPTER 5, SECTION 5. Junior Hunting Tests. Dogs shall be tested
on a minimum of four single marks, two on land and two on water. No
more than two marks may be thrown in a series.
Judges in keeping with simulation of realistic and natural hunting
conditions must remember the use of numerous decoys, islands, points of
land, rolling terrain, cover, ditch lines, wind direction, etc. are
important factors to consider when designing test scenarios to evaluate
Junior dogs as capable hunting companions.
(1) .
(2) Dogs shall be steady but may be brought to the line on leash
with a flat buckle collar. The dog is under judgment when it leaves the
holding blind. A Junior dog that is not under control when brought to
the line (jumping, strongly tugging, etc) even though it is on a leash
shall risk receiving a lower score in trainability including zero in
extreme cases. Dogs may be restrained gently with a slipcord looped
through the flat buckle collar, or held gently by the flat buckle collar
until sent to retrieve.
Notable changes/clarifications made to the description of the Junior
Hunting Test include: (1) Judges may, at their discretion, require more
than four marks. (2) No more than two marks may be thrown in a series.
(3) While a Junior dog is being brought to the line on leash, it is
expected that it be reasonably under control. If it is not, the dog
risks being scored lower in trainability in accordance to the degree of
its misbehavior.
9. CHAPTER 5, SECTION 6. Master Hunting Test. Dogs shall be tested
in a minimum of five hunting situations as follows: multiple land
marks, multiple water marks, multiple marks on water and land, a land
blind and a water blind (at least one that shall be a double blind in
any combination). There shall be at least three series. At least one
of the series shall include a walk-up. Diversion birds and/or diversion
shots such as described in Chapter 3, Section 24, must be used at least
once. In Master tests, in at least two multiple marking situations the
dog's marking/memory will be tested with at least three (3) falls,
before the dogs is sent to retrieve. During a double set of marks (2
falls) Master judges shall include additional elements of testing i.e.
walkup, diversion bird, diversion shot, blind/s etc. in testing the
dog's abilities.
This change increases the testing requirements for Master dogs by
specifying that they shall complete two triple marks (previously one)
and that an additional testing element shall be included during a double
mark.
10. CHAPTER 1, SECTION 3. Making Application.
Clubs that sponsor more than two hunting test in any twelve month period
shall be required to offer at least once in any combination, each of the
three (3) test levels.
Current Regulations state that if a club holds more than one hunting
test per calendar year, a Master level test must be included in the
second hunting test. Some clubs do not have the resources to hold all
three testing levels at an event. Currently these clubs are limited to
one junior/senior test per year. This change will allow these clubs to
hold two junior/senior tests (for example, one on Saturday and another
on Sunday) if they desire.

11. CHAPTER 1, SECTION 6. Judges' Eligibility. Anyone at least 21
years of age and in good standing with the American Kennel Club may be
approved to judge a Hunting Test subject to the eligibility requirements
in force at the time. While the AKC approves individuals to judge based
on eligibility requirements, it is the responsibility of the clubs to
determine the "qualifications" of each prospective judge by researching
experience accumulated through training, actual hunting over dogs,
handling dogs in field events and prior judging activities. Clubs may
at their discretion develop a questionnaire in order to request
background information on prospective judges.
Prior to Becoming Eligible to Judge.
(1) Seminar: Attend an AKC Retriever Hunting Test seminar. This first
seminar allows an individual to
judge for three years assuming the apprenticeship requirement is
met.
(2) Apprenticeship: Individuals that have not judged prior to January
1, 2012 must successfully
apprentice at least once at the level being judged or higher.
(Club's responsibility to monitor.)

Prior to Becoming Eligible to Judge the Senior/Master Test.
Individuals that have not judged Senior or Master tests prior to January
1, 2012 must first have judged at least twice at the testing level
immediately below before they are eligible to judge a Senior or Master
tests. (Club's responsibility to monitor.)
Maintaining One's Ability to Judge:
(1) Second Seminar: If an individual has judged within three years of
attending the first seminar, that individual is required to attend a
second seminar to maintain the ability to continue to judge. If an
individual has not judged within three years of attending the first
seminar, another "first" seminar is
required prior to being allowed to judge. However, if you have earned
six (6) points at the Master level, you do not need to take the second
seminar. Anyone that has attended two or more seminars (one prior to
judging and one after having judged) is exempt from any further seminar
attendance.
(2) Written Test: After the second seminar (one prior to judging and
one after having judged), anindividual must complete a written
self-administered AKC test every four years and pass the test with a
score of 90% or better.
(3) Must Remain An Active Judge: An individual must judge at any level
at least once every four (4) years to maintain eligibility. Individuals
who have not judged within the four-year period of the mandatory written
examination will be required to attend the Seminar.
(4) Must Remain An Active Handler: An individual must have handled a
qualifying dog at the level to be
judged or higher within seven (7) years of the date of the event.
(Club's responsibility to monitor.)
Note: Current judges who do not meet this requirement have until
January 1, 2014 to come into
compliance.

For new judges, working up through the three testing levels can provide
valuable experience. Two changes to the judge eligibility conditions
require this logical progression. (1) A prospective judge must
apprentice at each level prior to judging that level, and (2) An
individual must have judged twice at the Junior level prior to judging
at the Senior level and further must have judged twice at the Senior
level prior to judging at the Master level.

Another change to the judging eligibility requirements is that an
individual must remain an active handler.
An individual in order to maintain his eligibility to judge a specific
level must have handled a qualifying dog at that level or higher within
seven years of the date of an event he is being asked to judge.

Note #1: The new judges' eligibility requirements do not apply to
events applied for prior to January 1, 2012.
Note #2: For a complete overview of judging eligibility requirements,
please see the AKC RetrieverHunting Test website at:
www.akc.org/pdfs/events/hunting_tests/retrievers/Retriever_HT_Judges.pdf.

Note #3: This document can be found on the AKC Retriever Hunting Test
website at:
www.akc.org/pdfs/events/hunting_tests/retrievers/Changes_Regulations_Nov2011.pdf.

Greater Pittsburgh Golden Retriever Club

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