[PyrNet-L] Re:Breed Clubs

[EandUnge@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/17/00 8:57:29 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
pyrnet-l-owner@pyrnet.org writes:

<< 
  GPCA was much easier to join than my other breed  ,Shelties. The ASSA
 requires 5years actively showing/training in chosen
 field-performance/conformation, achieving a title on a sheltie be it a
 CD or CH & two members in your area that have been to your house & seen
 your setup write letters in  your behalf. >>

I think it is too bad the national breed club for Shelties is so closed.  
That prevents others who don't show or breed but who have a wealth of 
knowledge and can deal with such subjects such as rescue, or even agility -- 
which didn't seem to be mentioned.  Because of the "negative" attributes of 
shelties (ie high energy and barking) there are alot of shelties that end up 
in rescue.  And this rarely is addressed by those who are so intuned to 
showing and breeding because they usually are not the problem.  But the 
problem exists.  Last Sunday I sat next to Northern California Collie and 
Sheltie rescue and they had alot!  That closed attitude also permeates down 
through the local clubs, which in turn turns people off altogether on breed 
clubs and those who are members.  While I agree with you that membership in a 
breed club may not be for everyone, I don't necessarilly think it is some 
huge priviledge.  From my perspective, a breed club is to better the breed, 
from all aspects, and to do so requires inclusivity rather than exclusivity, 
IMOO.

Elisa Ungerman