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December 28, 2011
As we end 2011 it is time for me to thank Zone 11
members for their input and support.
When I ran for the position of Director in 2004 I
had no idea how the role would affect my life. It has been a major
learning experience as well as an opportunity to give back to
the 'fancy'. I became a member of CKC in 1969 and now as a 'Life'
member I have had the opportunity to look back and to see how
this has impacted my life.
Who would have thought that buying a pure-bred Irish
Setter would enable me to participate with dogs in so many ways.
From joining dog clubs and showing in Conformation and Obedience
to working with others to organize and put on shows. My interest
went further and I am now a CKC Judge. All this experience gave
me a good grounding in becoming a member of the CKC Board.
All the years of knowledge and experience have assisted
me in working for this zone. It has not been easy and the last
few years have been particularly difficult. Interest in pure-bred
dogs remains high but the sport has changed. The younger generation
has not embraced dog shows and breeders are not as committed to
CKC as in the past. Litter and individual registrations are down;
dog show entries are dwindling, membership has dropped yet demands
for CKC services are up. This has made for difficult choices for
CKC Boards. CKC members are faced with a faltering economy, the
rise in interest of 'designer' dogs and animal activist organizations
that are persuading governments to enact restrictive animal bylaws.
The CKC continues to operate in a changing world. Those who attended
the last Board meeting can attest to that. The new Board will
be required to work with a new CEO/ED, set a new budget, establish
a multi-year business plan without Apex Publishing and Dogs in
Canada and steer the organization along a precarious path. The
referendum results will influence the running of CKC as well as
open the door to the acceptance of Non pure-bred dogs to some
performance events. I hope the new Board will have the necessary
skill sets and commitment to allow CKC to renew and grow.
I have tried my best to serve the zone as fairly as
possible and Thank you for your support. It is now time to take
time off and to encourage you to support my successor Joan Bennett.
I wish her all the best as she takes on her new role as Director
Zone 11.
I wish you a wonderful Christmas Season and a Happy New Year!
Margaret Jones
Highlights of the Year
This year I had an amazing opportunity to visit several Clubs
and to participate in several varied activities. I attended Dog
shows on Vancouver Island as well as the Lower Mainland. I also
attended the following activities:
- In March I was in Toronto as Co-Chair of the Purina National
- A CKC Charity Event
This classy dog show was able to attract a 1000 plus entry and
a gate of over 5000 - 6000 visitors. This provided great publicity
for our sport and another healthy donation to the CKC Foundation.
- In August I attended the National Hunt Test Trials held in
Crofton Vancouver Island. What a great opportunity to watch
dog people work with their dogs. The tests became more difficult
over the 5 days of competition. At the end of the competition
approximately half of the exhibitors gained their National Hunt
Title. This test really exhibited to me the dedication and passion
and work that our performance members put into their dogs. The
exhibitors and their dogs truly become a working team each dependent
on the other. The support of the exhibitors to each other was
amazing and something I will not forget. I developed a deeper
appreciation of the many hours of practise that goes into gaining
a Hunt Title. No quick week-end Champion here.
- In August I had the opportunity to participate in the Vancouver
Island Exhibition with the Nanaimo Kennel Club. On the week
-end of August 20 and 21 the members of the kennel Club turned
out to show the visitors to the Fair some activities that can
be fun with all dogs. Pure-bred dogs were the focus and the
public was invited to visit with Club members and learn about
individual breeds. Obedience displays were scheduled as well
as Agility displays, Lure-coursing, Schutzhund demonstrations,
carting, and Field tests activities. What an opportunity to
participate with the general public and dispel a few myths about
our pure-breds.
- The following week-end the Tyee Kennel Club held a booth at
the Cobble Hill Fair. Again this was another opportunity to
let the community know there is an active Kennel Club in the
area and an opportunity to 'talk to some experts' for breed
information and knowledge of dogs. I have encouraged this type
of activity because we are the experts on dogs and have a wealth
of knowledge to share. We just do not do a very good job of
marketing our knowledge or visibility.(2)
- The German Shepherd Club of BC put on a great National Specialty
Dog show in Vancouver. This was terrific for the judging fraternity
because the Club provided Judges Education. Many local judges
participated and had the opportunity to critique 100 plus exhibits
over a 2 day event. How many times do we see such an entry in
Canada? If all Specialty Clubs offered such educational activities
there could be more appreciation of judges breed knowledge.
- In September the Tyee Kennel Club held a CGN test for all
dogs. This was the kennel Club way to encourage participation
in Responsible Dog week. The attendance was mostly pure-bred
dogs but we did have entries of non pure-bred dogs. A small
contribution toward Responsible Dog Ownership but certainly
worth continuing.
- In October as well as the Lower Mainland Dog Show where there
is a terrific opportunity to educate the public on our sport.
I attended yet another PR event.
- The Vancouver Public Library put on a Dog Day at the Library.
Various dog related organizations participated and the CKC was
invited too. Marion Postgate gave obedience demonstrations,
Joan Bennett and I gave information on pure-bred dogs and CKC
and another member Pam Legault volunteered her time with her
Irish Setters and her involvement with Noah's Wish and assistance
with Dogs in Disasters.
- Thrown into the above mix are Board meetings and additional
committee commitments. I forgot to add a patient husband and
a few dogs!
As you can see ….. Another busy year for CKC activities!!
See you at the shows and in the Field.
Margaret
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