Re: [pyrnet] GPCA

[Jack & Charlotte Perry <pyreau@erols.com>]

Sandy,
    This is really exactly what the GPCA does through the 22 or so (is it 22 or
21 now?) regional clubs.  My regional club runs newspaper ads asking for people
to call for info about the breed, the club, rescue dogs etc.  Many regional
clubs have groups that train their dogs in obedience, carting, etc and/or  take
their Pyrs to hospitals as therapy dogs. All of the regional clubs are very
active in finding homes for unwanted Pyrs. Regional clubs have fun days, health
clinics, training sessions and grooming sessions. We do many public education
things....some just as simple as taking our dogs in the annual Christmas parade
and passing out info about the breed.  There are quite a few clubs that set up
booths at sheep festivals (unfortunately the big festival in our area has turned
down our request to set up a booth with info about livestock guardian dogs for 3
years in a row) The GPCA and regional clubs have excellent printed info about
livestock guardian dogs..  Since the GPCA is really a membership group with
members all over the world, the only time everyone can get together is at the
National specialty which is in a different part of the US each year.
    Hopefully, the current idea about associate memberships will be approved by
the AKC.  That would definately solve the problem of open membership and would
allow everyone to join..  In the past, it was the AKC which would not allow any
sort of non-voting membership.
Charlotte

sandy white wrote:

> Charlotte,
>
> I know it was probably a hypothetical question, but no, I don't think you
> should sponsor people who are not doing what is best for the breed.  In my
> opinion, your judgment on this is sound.  I accept that these people may be
> incorrigible, beyond any convincing or behavior modifying.
>
> But what I would like to see happen is a GPCA sponsored venue to educate pyr
> owners and potential owners who have not had the benefit of long,
> association with reputable practices.
>
> At fairs, festivals, and grocery store parking lots, people see the big
> litters and conclude that it is an easy cash crop.  Education and
> information to counter that is important. I would like to see an outreach
> that emphasized spay/neuter, hip and shoulder testing prior to breeding,
> breeding only 2 heats out of 3, and that this is a dog that blows its coat.
> Some people will agree with and find it to their benefit to be more
> responsible breeders and pet owners.  Some will decide to do the early
> spay/neuter if only to prevent competition at their favorite fair or
> festival from rival breeders. Stock guard dogs are most attentive if they
> are spayed/neutered.  Ranchers and farmers understand the problems of
> breeding faulty cows and goats.  I think they would understand it applies to
> dogs, if educated about the types of problems.
>
> What I would like to see is something along the lines of the saying about
> catching more flies with honey than with vinegar.
>
> As individuals, not as club members, we could each write our elected state
> officials and ask for puppy lemon laws and stronger penalties for animal
> cruelty.  Georgia has a proposed cruelty law, if you want to see a sample.
>
> Last, the use of any company's brands or trademarks are controlled by that
> organization.  Since GPCA fears the inappropriate use of its name in
> advertising, the club should revise its rules to prohibit such use or to
> require written permission, whatever is appropriate.
>
> Sandy
>
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