The Schaferhunde News
The German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Kansas City
Founded 1923
Issue - April 2020
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND OFFICERS
2020 Officers
President Chris Kimerer, Vice President Debbie McHenry, Treasurer Mike Kennedy, Rec. Secretary Sally Hamm, Corres. Secy. Amy Edwards
2020 Directors
JoClair Gipe, Bruce Hudson, Chairman, Nancy Kennedy, Pat Robinette, Lynette Stone
Due to our show cancellations the club's General meetings will resume in June.
The next three meetings will be held at Macken Park, 1201 Clark Ferguson Drive, North Kansas City, MO. at the outdoor Shelter House. Meetings start at 7:00 p.m.
June 9
July 14
August 11
We are asking attendees to practice social distancing (approximately 6 feet) from others.
Consideration should be given to wearing a mask in order to protect those that may have a compromised immune system.
We will cease serving refreshments during the pandemic.
We do not have a program or guest speaker scheduled at this time. If anyone has any ideas, please share with Chris Kimerer (chris@gsdcgkc.com).
No one knows exactly when the pandemic will end as we all face an uncertain timeline. We are anticipating that the GSDCGKC Wine Pull will not be held in August.
The wine pull is our only fundraiser for the year. Our club has supported the regional chapter of the National Police Canine Association (NPCA) for four years. It is a worthwhile cause and one that our club is proud to be associated with. Proceeds from the fundraiser assist in covering the cost of training for our local officer's and their canine partners.
We would like to continue our altruistic tradition so we are requesting suggestions for a fundraiser to be held later in the year. One suggestion is to sponsor a Paw-A-Thon Walk/Run. This idea presents an excellent opportunity for pet lovers to get out and have fun with their pets.
Please send ideas to Chris Kimerer (chris@gsdcgkc.com.)
The club website was created in 2016. It has been revised over the years with updates and changes based upon input from the members.
The club incurs a yearly expense from GoDaddy for the rights to our website name and also from SquareSpace the website platform. Analytics define the most popular pages and visits to the site as well as other beneficial data. The website is tailored to our members as well as outside viewers.
Do you use the website to find up-to-date information?
View the Calendar?
Submit Forms?
Directory look-up?
Submission to the Photo Gallery?
Event information?
Please take the time to visit the club website as it is yours. Any suggestions for improvement would be greatly appreciated. If you are skilled in HTML coding and would like to assist with maintaining the website, please contact Marion Baker (marion@gsdcgkc.com).
The website Photo Gallery has not been updated recently and any new photographs of your shepherds would be appreciated. The form for photo submission is on the website. Also, please let Marion know if you would like any old photos removed.
On a side note, our website has never been hacked or tampered with since its inception. We have a secure site and hopefully the website is beneficial to our members.
GSDCGKC Recognition Certificate Request
12/01/2019 thru 11/25/2020
"Year-End Title" certificates are awarded to members in recognition of their involvement and accomplishments with their dogs throughout the year. The intent is to reward club members that participate in AKC and/or GSDCA events.
The club will award a "Year-End Title" certificate to any German Shepherd Dog owned or co-owned by a member in good standing of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Kansas City who earns a title or certificate in any American Kennel Club (AKC) or German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) event.
The recognition year begins on December 1st and ends on November 25th of the following year. All titles earned after November 25th will be awarded the next recognition year. The deadline for submission of title documentation is November 30th of the current recognition year. Certificates are awarded at the Awards Presentation Meeting in December.
The form can be found on the club website, www.gsdcgkc.com. Submissions must be received no later than November 30th.
Submit titles earned as they are received. Thank you!!!
Article by PetBacker
German Shepherds are a relatively new dog breed with origins that can be traced back to 1899. Although it is a new breed, German Shepherds are now one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. In the United states, German shepherds ranks as the second most popular dog breeds of 2016. In fact, German Shepherds have many talents and desirable traits which make them the best dogs that every household should own.
It is a well-known fact that German Shepherds are highly intelligent. They can learn and do almost every task you give them. Perhaps this is why the largest percentage of police dogs all over the world is German Shepherd. Due to their high intelligence and versatility, German Shepherds are also widely trained as service dogs to aid people with disabilities. Some German Shepherds are trained to compete in dog sporting events.
German Shepherd are one of the healthiest dog-breed. They can live to up to 13 years if they are properly cared for. German Shepherds love to exercise; thus, they are free from weight problems. German Shepherds are prone to several health risks such as hip and elbow dysplasia which later lead to arthritis, degenerative myelopathy and others diseases, but the risk of suffering from these diseases is greatly reduced if proper nutrition and veterinary care are given.
Part of the reasons why German Shepherds are popular is because they are adaptable to any kind of lifestyle and living situation. Homes with a large yard is ideal for German Shepherds, but they can easily adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise. If you are planning to get a German Shepherd, you don’t have to adjust your current lifestyle, it can easily adjust itself and suit your lifestyle.
German Shepherds have high energy levels. They can spend their whole days outdoor. If you love jogging, hiking and hunting, German Shepherds are one of the best companions you can have. If you have children at home, they can play with German Shepherds as long as they can because these dogs don't get tired easily.
German Shepherds are well known for their devotion to their families. They can become very affectionate towards their owners and in turn become protective of their owners. You never know how much they love you.
Loyalty is a great personality that can be found in dogs. German Shepherds have a particularly strong sense of loyalty. They would protect not only their owners, but also all their family members in the household. The strong sense of loyalty and protective instinct make German Shepherds a good guard dog. However, proper socialization and training is required so that they won’t become overprotective.
German Shepherds have high intelligence; thus, they can be trained for various purposes. German Shepherds are obedient, making them easier to train compared to other dog breeds. Not only do German Shepherd perform well in task training, obedience training wouldn't be any problem for them as well. They will listen and obey to your commands.
German Shepherds have a double coat which enables them to tolerate both cold and hot weather. If the weather is too hot, they might dig a hole and lay in the cool dirt.
Most German Shepherds are fine with other pets as long as they have been socialized properly. They can get along well with cats and other dogs. Some German Shepherds can even become gentle and caring towards other pets.
If given proper socialization training from an early age – German Shepherds love to play with children if they are trained well to do so when they are young. Proper puppy training is essential along with love, care and respect towards your pooch. Also, make sure not to allow children to play with the dog when eating or trying to remain alone.
On the Lighter Side . . .
