The Schaferhunde News
The German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Kansas City
Founded 1923
Issue - July 2018
Wow, what a great Obedience show weekend. It was held on July 14-15, indoors at the Greater Kansas City Dog Training Center building in Raytown, Mo which was a good thing given the heat. We had around 45 entries each day and about twenty percent of them were beautiful shepherds. The German Shepherd teams were so awesome that they had a 95+ percent passing rate. We had a wonderful judge, Pat Kasten who really knew how to keep things fun. I must say that in my 40 years of obedience showing, this was one of the best show weekends that I have been to. It was because of the support of this club’s members that our show thrived.
We couldn’t have had such success without the members who worked so cheerful. JoClair Gipe who was everywhere, setting up, cleaning up, working at the rent a ring both Friday and Saturday evenings, table stewarding and even finding time to show her own dog; how impressive is that. Rosi Von Fintel, who was chief ring steward patiently teaching novices what to do in the ring to help the judge make things run smoothly while taking care of her new little Icelandic Shepherd, Bunty. My right arm, Debbie McHenry, helping to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything. The other volunteers, Bruce Hudson, cleaning up, setting up and stewarding; Nelson Hinman, for ring stewarding Saturday morning; Betty and Ray Laughlin for stewarding Saturday afternoon and Ray for setting up Friday and fixing some plumbing; Ken and Iryna Sanders for setting up Friday, fixing lights and helping with clean-up. Brad and Marion Baker for offering to entertain the Judge on Saturday evening; Aaron Stasiak and Megan Marmon for stewarding Sunday morning; Pat Robinette and Tiffany Bartley for stewarding Sunday afternoon; Corbin Bartley for clean-up and playing navigator for his mom Sunday afternoon; Clark Avera for helping with clean-up. Cindy Hartman for helping with the rent a ring Friday evening and getting lunches; Nancy Kennedy and Cheryl May for providing hospitality each morning and helping set up and clean-up; Susan Hunt for getting lunches and even getting Sunday’s lunch donated; Mike Kennedy for getting us specials on the judges hotels, and Duncan Doughnut’s coffee; and last but not least, Chris Kimerer for being the trial secretary, dealing with AKC and any paperwork issues, for being there both days from start to finish to help the judge keep things running smoothly. A special thanks to Cheryl May for her wonderful awards. They will be talked about for years to come because we’ll have a hard time equaling them.
I realized after looking at the list of volunteers above, that out of 68+ members, 26 were involved in the obedience trial in some way either as helpers or entrants. I don’t know what our monetary success is, but our club’s spirit is definitely high and something I know other clubs are going to try to imitate. Thank you to everyone!
~Sally Hamm, Obedience Show Chair~
The July General meeting was held at Macken Park in North Kansas City with 25 members in attendance.
We had 8 visitors and 3 guest GSD's join us for the meeting. Dennis and Barbara Bishop brought along Stella their new dog that they obtained from Cindy Bartley. Also, Janice came with her dog Leah, and Kimberly and her two daughters along with their dog Kaiser.
Ken and Iryna Sanders provided a wonderful meal of Shish kabobs and Russian potato salad. Ray Laughlin added corn on the cob and water and Debbie McHenry brought cookies for our sweet treat. Thanks to them all for keeping us well nourished.
The guest speaker, Emery Kittle, owner of Nature's Select Pet Food of Kansas City spoke about the products and services that they provide. He answered questions and provided samples for people to take home and try.
Emery shared that they are a locally owned, all natural, pet food company that offers free home delivery! "Our food is one of the healthiest pet foods on the market and by cutting out the middle man we can deliver an award winning holistic food for less than our competition! Try us! Your pets will love our food, you will love the convenience!"
It was suggested that we take a group photo of the dogs that attended the meeting. What a great looking bunch!
Our club has experienced positive growth in membership this year. Total membership mid-way through 2018 is at 74 people. We have steadily been increasing membership and an interest in the German Shepherd breed.
In July, we had two individuals join the GSDCGKC. Please welcome Tammy Peterson and Heather Culbreth to the club. Many of you have seen Tammy and Heather at club meetings and events.
Tammy lives in Garden City, Mo and has 4 GSD's involved in IPO, UKC (United Kennel Club) rally and handling in AKC puppy class. Tammy is a co-owner for one of her dogs.
Heather lives in Holden, Mo and has three GSD's and is involved in IPO, dock diving and about everything else.
They both have awesome dogs. Take time to visit with Tammy and Heather and meet their canine friends.
The club picnic will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at Shelter House 1, Smith's Fork Park, Smithville, Mo.
The meal will be potluck with the club providing the meat. Bruce Hudson volunteered to chair coordinating the picnic. He will be contacting members to sign up for individual dishes or desserts.
Please contact Bruce if you are interested in helping with the picnic.
Debbie McHenry and Susan Hunt have submitted our club for the Peggy Douglas Award. They have written an essay that demonstrates that our club has met many of the requirements.
This award is given to a Regional Club, not to an individual. To be awarded the Peggy Douglas Award, a GSDCA Regional Club must meet the following criteria:
• Actively strive to increase local club and GSDCA membership by advertising fun events, educational programs, fun matches, puppy training and socialization classes.
• Promote the total German Shepherd Dog by encouraging participation in dog sports such as but not limited to Conformation, Herding, IPO (formerly known as Schutzhund), Obedience, Agility, Rally and Tracking.
• Encourage junior membership by presenting educational programs on handling, grooming, herding, and agility.
• Attend community events to promote and encourage attendance at the local club meetings and other events.
• Conduct or participate in a Meet the Breed to promote the German Shepherd Dog at dog shows or community events.
• Sunday, August 12, 11:00 - 3:00 p.m., General Meeting and Dock Diving at The Dog Pool, 33004 E County Line Rd, Pleasant Hill, Mo. Please call Debbie McHenry or Darcy Seeger to sign-up for dock diving. You can also sign up at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0D4AA5AB2CA4FC1-dogdays. There is a place to bring a picnic lunch near the pool.
• Thursday, Friday, Saturday, August 24-25, Topeka Kennel Club Show, GSDCGKC Wine Pull Fundraiser. This is our yearly community service project raising funds for the National Police Canine Association (NPCA).
• Sunday, October 28, Painting with a Twist https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/mission-ks/
Members will have an opportunity to paint their dogs on a 16x20 canvas for $55.00. Visit the Painting with a Twist website to read more about this fun experience. Contact Susan Hunt if you have questions. The club will be providing more information at a later date.
• NO CLUB GENERAL MEETING IN OCTOBER due to the Nationals being held at Purina Farms.
• Tuesday, November 13, Thanksgiving Dinner at the American Legion in Smithville, Mo.
Come out to our first ever swim party just for dogs! We will meet at 11:00 AM at the dog pool and have a picnic lunch, general meeting and get safety instructions for using the pool. The swim time will be divided up into 10-minute increments, so each dog will have his/her own swim time; experienced or beginners with water wings...everyone can get in the pool. This is a "dock diving event" pool with a ramp that the dogs can enter or exit the pool if they are not ready to jump off the dock! This event will take the place of our August General Meeting...so don't miss it. This is a rain or shine event..canceled only if it is lightening. Bring chairs, picnic lunch for your family, and towels...if you have shade structure and want to share that would be great too!