ESTABLISHEDGROWL 1958 FEBRUARY 2017 A TRIP TO TRENTON I am largely convinced that breeders. They were young, well-dressed and and all that we do with them – conformation they all wore the same large, round button shows, obedience, rally, etc. – are on the road to identifying themselves. And they looked smug, extinction. The Humane Society of the United very smug. My hackles started to rise. States, PETA and a multitude of splinter Animal By now Jeffrey Ball had found me and explained Rights groups are effectively convincing the what I could do immediately to help be a voice general public that purebred dogs and the people for ‘our side’. I went down to another floor where that own and love them are toxic. We have the committee hearing for S1640 (the tether bill) discussed this in many Ramapo meetings. It is was already in session. I went in and signed a not news to anyone. piece of paper that identified who I was, who I With this in my mind, I went to Trenton on represented (Ramapo KC) and where I lived. I Monday, eager to do what I could to convince indicated my opposition to the bill and that I New Jersey lawmakers that the two bills being chose not to testify. There were 3 people already heard in committee (S63/A2338 & S1640) are sitting in on that session that were ready to unjust to owners/breeders and require significant testify. They were THE ONLY people representing amendment before being passed. I had attended purebred owners/breeders in that entire NJFDC Lobby Days at the State House in Trenton, room. THREE PEOPLE. I was disheartened by the but never witnessed actual committee hearings. low turnout, but hoped that by the time I got The entire process was a big unknown, but I was back upstairs there would be more gathered there game and determined. for S63, which appeared to be the bigger draw. I stepped off the elevator on the 4th floor of No such luck. Jeff and I were the only people the State House into a swarm of men and women representing the breeders and owners of purebred milling around the hallways, waiting to get into dogs. Across the hall from us there were easily the Committee Room for the 15 people wearing the big, round buttons In this issue: hearing. It was clear that identifying themselves as the Enemy – and like-minded people were more continued arrive as we waited to enter the A Trip to Trenton...... 1, 3 gathered together in corners, Committee Room. My hackles rose higher. We President’s Message...... 2 quietly strategizing how were up against an army. And they knew they best to make their opinions outnumbered us by close to 10:1. By the time January Meeting Minutes...... 3 known and how to squelch we got into the Committee Room they took Member Survey...... 4 the points made by their up 2 rows of chairs. Jeff and I found 2 seats Meet 3 New ...... 5 adversaries. I heard more together and blended into the sea of people than one person mention there for other bills. Once again, I filled out a AKC Patch Program...... 6 “the pet shop bill”. The piece of paper with my information and indicated World Dog Expo...... 7 largest group there, hands my opposition to the bill. We then listened to For Sale ...... 8 down, was the group hell- people testifying about the bills leading up to RKC Training Schedule...... 9 bent on taking away our S63. rights as dog owners and Dates to Remember...... 10 Continued on page 2

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.RAMAPOKENNELCLUB.COM President’s Message

I hope everyone enjoyed the interested in hearing about emergency medicine remarkably warm month of from a veterinarian? Would you like to learn January. I know my dogs about dog CPR? I hope to find topics that are did— they got many more valuable for everyone in the club, but I need walks than they normally do your input. Let me know what you want hear! at this time of year. I hope Elsewhere in this issue of the Growl you will February doesn’t make up for find a brief account of my Monday in Trenton. the lost cold temperatures and I went down to do what I could to support snow. purebred breeders and owners as two very Hard to believe it’s been a important bills were heard in committee. Both

JACK GRASSA JACK year, but Westminster is almost bills made it out of committee. They are not Sharon Fremer upon us. I think it’s wonderful favorable to us but, fortunately, their sponsors that the show now includes are open to further amendments. I was very Obedience and Agility. The club has opened its disappointed in the miniscule turn out of eyes and realized that there is more to the sport people on our side of the Animal Rights fight. of dogs than just Conformation. I hope more We need more firepower or we will lose what and more of our members have the opportunity is most important to us. I know many of you to compete in one or more events there. It’s work or are otherwise committed to activities a rewarding experience to be part of what is that make it difficult to attend these things, arguably the most prestigious dog event in our but if more of us don’t become involved we are nation. sure to lose the rights we hold dear. Please Ramapo Kennel Club I continue to look for find a way to make your voice and your opinion Officers interesting programs for our heard by our legislators. It is imperative that meetings. Anne Hulsizer has we win this war. President Sharon Fremer given me several very good [email protected] ideas, but I’d like to hear from Sharon Vice President more of you. Would you be Amy Starost Treasurer Ruth Henningsen A TRIP TO TRENTON, continued from p.1 Recording Secretary Kim Luikert Unfortunately, the committee hearing started over an hour late. I was unable to Corresponding Secretary stay to the end and missed the entire discussion of S63. After all the buildup, I Tilly Grassa missed the main event. Regardless, I am very pleased I went because I learned so [email protected] much. I now know the ropes and will be comfortable going again. I will be better Board of Directors prepared with facts and figures and I hope to testify next time. 2017 Elaine Barone The biggest takeaway I have from my foray to the State House is this: We are Lorraine Fennemore up against an enormous machine. They are clearly well funded and well prepared Janis Hayes to support their positions. And they are young. If we in the purebred dog world don’t take this more seriously, if we do not educate and recruit more young people 2018 to take up our cause, we will lose this battle. We are already in the Animal Rights Melissa Ayer Sue Leonard activists’ rearview mirrors. It is imperative that we become turbocharged, catch Gerrie Oliver up to them and surpass them. It will take all of us to do this. We need every person dedicated to purebred dogs. I encourage each of you in this club, whatever AKC Delegate state you live in, to get involved. Use your voices. Get to your state capitols and Jeffrey David Ball show your strength. Our passion, our dogs depend on it.

2 Ramapo Kennel Club GROWL •February 2017 Minutes

RKC Member Meeting question and answer time. Link GPS collar January 11th, 2017 pre sold 1000 units at $200 each with a $8 American Legion Hall month fee. AKC was happy with this. Royal 11 Oak Ave Pequannock, NJ 07440 Canin purchased Eukenuba. RKC has open committee spots- NJFDC Sharon Fremer called the meeting to order at alternate delegate needed and someone for 8:43 PM. community service. Website- The Club will be replacing the Recording Secretary- Lorraine Fennemore website, please send recommendation of made a motion to accept the minutes web designers and content to Amy Starost or from November and December. Janis Hayes Sharon. seconded—voted on and approved. Spring and summer events- The World Dog Treasurer- November balance: $35,112.46. Expo is June 10-11th and the Club will be December: $27,304.78 Money market participating with a booth. It will take the $24,877.09 Rosters are on the back table- place of the match show. Possible fun match please take one and sign that you have in conjunction with the Expo also. Cindy received it. McMillan and Rose Radel volunteered to be Corresponding Secretary- Sign up form there. from the NJFDC for the World Dog Expo in Point Show- October 14-15, 2017. Sharon June. Tilly will email form to members. to chair this year’s show, Jeffrey will be Membership- Nothing to report. the co chair temporarily until someone else Obedience- Already getting enrollments for takes over the possition. A judges committee new session. CGC testing on February 1st— will meet to make recommendations, Tilly sign-up sheet on back table. Grassa and Gerrie Oliver volunteered, Joan Awards- Forms are here for people to take. Murko will be asked as well and anyone else Sunshine- Nothing to report. who would like to help. Saw Mill will be NJFDC- The dog resource directory deadline joining us again and are willing to share is February 1st. Jeffrey Ball encouraged judges. members to put their contact information Membership Survey- please fill out and in as a mentor for their particular . send back to Amy. January 22nd is New England legislative Guests- Stacey Przybylinksky, Janis Hayes’s caucus that Jeffrey will be presenting. CART daughter, from Pompton Lakes—she is a will be having a disaster training on January groomer and volunteers with rescue also. 19th from 7-9, then on the 27th from 6-10 Refreshments for February 8th - Phyllis There will be a drill at the Mahwah police Lasser, Elaine Barone and Janis Hayes. academy that will be filmed. The World Dog Ruth made motion to adjourn Lorraine Expo is June 10-11th. seconded voted on and approved at 9:40. AKC Delegate- Next delegate meeting is March 14th in Newark. At the December Respectfully submitted by Kim Luikert meeting the time change for entries did January 15th 2017 not pass. Introduction of candidates with a

3 Ramapo Kennel Club GROWL • February 2017 Member Survey

** ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS ** PLEASE . . . complete the survey and take a few minutes to email Amy Starost your answers at [email protected] or hand it to her at the January or February meeting. You can also text Amy at 551-486-2595. Ramapo Kennel Club is looking to make 2017 an outstanding year for our club and our members, but we need your help! Please let us hear your voice!

1. Do you attend RKC meetings? Yes or No If no, why not?

2. What can RKC do to get you to come back and attend the meetings?

3. Is there a specific topic or speaker you would like to have at our meeting? Please give us the details.

4. What fun activities or events can RKC plan for 2017?

5. How can RKC improve membership?

6. What would attract new members? VIEW FROM THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH 7. How do we get our members involved in club activities?

8. What would you like to see in 2017? Please be specific and include how we could do that.

9. Any comments, suggestions or concerns you would like to let the RKC board know about?

Remember, your thoughts and comments are important. It’s all about YOU. Without our members, we are nothing! We need you, our members, to succeed, so please take a few minutes to give us your thoughts - it’s your club!

Thank you, Amy Starost, RKC Vice President 551-486-2595 4 [email protected] Ramapo Kennel Club GROWL •February 2017 Meet the 3 New Breeds Making Their 2017 Westminster Dog Show Debut When the nation’s top show dogs make their way to New York City in a little more than a week for the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, there will be a few new faces making their way into the coveted Madison Square Garden show ring. As they work their way toward competing for Best in Show, get to know these new and unique AKC-recognized breeds.

American Hairless Hailing From: United States Group: Terrier Group This small-to-medium size terrier is active, intelligent, and friendly. Despite its name, the breed also comes in a coated variety, although the coated dog still carries the hairless gene. These dogs have a natural drive to excel, making them great partners in dog sports such as agility or obedience. This is a fantastic choice for a family that suffers from allergies, as the hairless variety causes fewer allergic reactions than other breeds.

Pumi Hailing From: Hungary Group: Herding Group Defined as energetic, lively, and ready to work, the Pumi is perfect for a family willing to provide it with lots of exercise and mental activity. With a whimsical expression and corkscrew curls, this medium-size dog has a strong working drive and was historically used to herd. The Pumi is bright, alert, and active, making it ideal for many of the AKC dog sports.

Sloughi Hailing From: North Africa Group: Group This robust, yet elegant sighthound is medium sized and is treasured for its hunting skills. The breed is known to be calm and somewhat reserved, but must have daily exercise on leash or in a fenced area because of its superior prey drive. Although independent, the Sloughi bonds closely with his owners and is extremely eager to please. PHOTOS: JACK GRASSA JACK PHOTOS:

5 Ramapo Kennel Club GROWL • February 2017 COME AND JOIN US AT THE WORLD DOG EXPO To RKC members, Last fall, Ramapo Kennel Club chose to participate in the World Dog Expo being held on June 10th & 11th in Secaucus, NJ. We hope it will raise our profile with the public and allow us to introduce ourselves to more dog owners in the area. We plan to have a booth similar to the one we’ve had at past AKC Meet the Breed events and hope to sponsor a few events like a fun match or costume competition as well as present Obedience and Rally demonstrations. The flier on the next page is from the NJ Federation of Dog Clubs and provides more information about the Expo, and it can be used if you would like your breed club to join. The early June dates present a conflict with our annual Match Show. Because we feel it is important to reach and educate dog owners not familiar with our club, the decision was made to skip our match show this year in favor of being part of the World Dog Expo. We will hold our next match show in 2018. We will need volunteers to help each day, please join us as we get our name out to more potential members.

Sharon

A GREAT WAY TO INTRODUCE KIDS TO DOG SHOWS The AKC Dog Show Patch Program responsible dog ownership, canine care, successfully launched at the AKC National and much more. The AKC provides program Championship in Orlando, Fl. this past packets for the children to complete December. Over 100 Girl Scouts from more throughout their day as well as a tip sheet than 25 different troops participated in the for the parents or troop leaders to help the launch. The program went without a hitch children. Upon completion of the packet, and received lots of positive feedback from the children earn an AKC Dog Show Patch. the scouts and troop leaders alike. “It was well organized and structured, but This educational program is designed still free formed,” raved one troop leader for children of all ages to learn and have who was pleased with how smoothly the fun while attending a dog show. Through program ran at the launch. “We loved this! the program, children will meet dogs and We are a new troop working on our Pet handlers and learn about the seven AKC Badge. What a great experience! We spoke breed groups, events at an AKC dog show, with lots of wonderful owners and handlers and the program was very educational,” said another troop at the end of their dog-filled day. The program is now available for club members to run at their own shows. A presentation with all the information needed to run the program as well as the downloadable program packet and leader tip sheet are all available under the Dog Show Patch Program page on www.akc.org.

6 Ramapo Kennel Club GROWL •February 2017 MEET THE BREEDS Participation form June 10&11,2017 G Meadowland Expo Center G Secaucus, New Jersey G

YouYou areare invitedInvited toto participateparticipate iinn WWorldorld DDogog EExpo.xpo. ItIt wwhichill fea willture featurea breed a s hbreedowca sshowcasee area, a warea,orld cah aworldmpi- championshiponship groomin groomingg competi tcompetitionion and spec andtator spectator events. W events.orld Do Worldg Expo Dogwill inExpoclud ewill ed uincludecationa leducational seminars on seminarsproper ca onre apropernd nutr careition, andpet fnutrition,irst aid, a spet we firstll as aid, othe asr c lwellasse sas fo otherr pet oclasseswners. Afors tpethe fowners.irs event Asof ithets k ifirstnd, eventand w ofith itsth ekind, grow anding fwithascin theatio growingn with do internationalgs, it is expec fascinationted that this witheven dogs,t will g ite nise rexpectedate a buz zthat thr othisug heventout willthe Ngenerateew York ma ebuzzdia m throughoutarket. the New York media market.

CLUB NAME

BREED

CONTACT INFORMATION:

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

EMAIL PHONE

SIGNATURE

SIZE OF BOOTH REQUESTED: I 4 foot I 8 foot I 12 foot I16 foot If space permits, larger booths will be granted upon request

DAYS ATTENDING: I Saturday & Sunday, June10 &11 I Saturday June 10 I Sunday, June 11 Will you need early access to setup booth? I Yes I No Will you need assistance unloading booth from vehicle? I Yes I No Do you need a breed name sign for your booth? I Yes I No

Please forward electronically: general breed information and 3-4 pictures of your breed, (not show photos). This will be used to promote your club and breed. If this is not provided, general pictures and information will be used. Only 80 booth spaces are available. Once they are filled, Clubs will be notified if additional booth space becomes available. Return this Form to: Jeffrey D Ball, 11 Pershing Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 or email [email protected] Any questions call: 201 689-1323

7 Ramapo Kennel Club GROWL • February 2017 ITEMS FOR SALE AKC STUD BOOKS - 1975 through 1983, 12 issues each year. WESTMINSTER KC catalogs -1961, 66, 67, 69, 70 to 1992—some years 2 copies Contact: Joy Graeme Messinger 973 239 1131 [email protected]

NEWS FROM KIWI Hi, It’s Kiwi again. I have been loving this cold weather. Would love to play outside all day, but Mom knows that I get bored by myself and then start nibbling on the steps and back deck. I also don’t mind the rain. I get so dirty and muddy that I have to come in and stand still to get dried. It is really hard for me to “stand stay”. Guess I will have to go back to obedience classes for a refresher course. I went to the vet last week and I had to step on the scale. Last visit I was 59 pounds, but that was months ago. Now that I am almost 9 months old, I have reversed the numbers. Yes, I am now 95 pounds. I really only eat 2 cups of kibble twice a day. Mom calls me “pudgy” every time she hugs me. I keep wanting to go for long walks, but Mom thinks it is too cold. Guess I will have to get my exercise by chasing Kernel around the back yard. We play kind of rough, but he never hurts me. He always gives up before I do. That’s the difference between 9 months and 9 1/2 years old. I could play for hours. Mom has scheduled a play date for me next week with one of my litter sisters. I can’t wait to see her and play with her. It will be Kiwi and Kernel soooo much fun. Love, Kiwi.

8 Ramapo Kennel Club GROWL •February 2017 RKC Training Class Schedule - 2017 TUESDAY RALLY CLASSES Session 2 OR Amy Starost 201-576-0491 7:30 - 8:15 RALLY ADV/EXC. Jan 4, 18, 25 email [email protected] 8:30 - 9:15 RALLY NOVICE (Basic obedience skills required) Session 3 Class registration form available on the website: Feb 15, 22 ramapokennelclub.com/RKCClasses Session 2 Mar 1, 15, 22, 29 Jan. 3, 17, 24 Apr 5

Session 3 Session 4 2017 RKC Show Handling Feb. 14, 21, 28 Apr 19, 26 TUESDAY EVENINGS Mar. 14, 21, 28 May 3, 17, 24, 31 6:45 - 7:30 Apr. 4 June 7 Drop-in classes: $12.00 per dog, OR 6 classes for $60.00 Session 4 No classes July and August Apr. 18, 25 Jan. 17, 24 May 2, 16, 23, 30 New schedule starts after Labor Day. Feb. 21, 28 June 6 Mar. 14, 28 FOR CLASS INFORMATION AND TIMES April 18, 25 WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE CONTACT: May 2, 23 Puppy Kindergarten 6:30-7:15 June 6 Beginner Obedience 7:30-8:15 Ruth Hennigsen 973-697-9456 or Advanced Beginner 8:30-9:15 email at: [email protected] FMI: Linda Hachtel OR Elaine Barone 973-492-1876 973-697-4337 email [email protected] or Sharon Fremer 201-665-2565, [email protected] CGC/CGCA/THERAPY TESTING (there is a fee for testing) Feb 1 and June 13

Got Stuff? GROWL Send your stories, news, brags, suggestions, Published by the Ramapo Kennel Club comments and photos to Tilly Grassa, 7 Morgan Court Wayne, NJ 07470 [email protected]. Remember the Growl comes out about a week before each monthly meeting. Designer/Editor/Photographer: Submissions are due two weeks before the Tilly Grassa [email protected] meeting. The Growl is by and for the members so 973-633-5254 I need your help to make it interesting. 9 Ramapo Kennel Club GROWL • February 2017 Dates to remember:

All membership meetings are held at

American Legion Post 450 11 Oak Ave. Pequannock, NJ 07440 at 8:00 PM (unless otherwise noted)

Wednesday, February 8 Member Meeting, 8PM; Board Meeting 7:15. Program: TBA

Wednesday, March 8 Member Meeting, 8PM; Board Meeting 7:15. Program: TBA

Wednesday, April 12 Member Meeting, 8PM; Board Meeting 7:15. Program: TBA

GROWL 11 Pershing Avenue Ridgewood, NJ 07450

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