One generation and out (St. Club) but applies to all

S

Social

New member
Subject: One generation and out Please share this with the club.

Recieved this via email. Everyone needs to read this and send it to a dog friend...

I was going through my files and came across this article by Linda D. Witouski.
It is every bit as relevant as the day she wrote it, if not even more so with the
inroads being made by the ARistas through various restrictive legislation they
forcefully push though our various legislative bodies. Hopefully, we will heed the warning
and change our ways so WE don't become extinct along with our dogs!! This is real
food for thought ...
First published in the December, 2008 issue of Top Notch Toys, and reprinted
here with permission.
* "Potentially Dangerous Animal Owners" - Linda D. Witouski - November, 2008
*At a recent show, I couldn't help but notice the availability of space. Not only was the parking prime, but the space around the rings inside the building was incredible.* There were dozens of empty chairs ringside - a commodity generally not so available.* It was at that moment that I looked around the building and a queasy feeling crept over me.* Not only was this building bare, but the people in attendance were mostly my age.* That age where you hope you can begin your downward decent into living in peace and quiet after having been involved in this sport since the crib, and looking forward to those "twilight" years or a dirt nap, whichever.* I reached for the judging schedule to see how many Juniors were entered. Nine. Only nine.* I realize that the economy could very well have a definite impact on our sport, however, there are other factions that have a hand in it.' It hit me like a brick !* When Wayne Pacelle of the Humane S ociety of the United States said, (1993),
"One generation and out. We have no problems with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of human selective breeding,"* it dawned on me that he wasn't only referring to the animals - he was talking about US.
*ONE GENERATION AND OUT IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
*The animal rights movement pressed into school systems and devised an educational program for every animal venue.* Farming, exhibits, zoos, wildlife, environment, veterinarians, companion animals - no stone was left unturned.* It doesn't matter what we do, it's surely not in accordance with the animal rights activist groups. Looking around at the very few young people at dog shows,and the lack of newcomers of any age, it's become quite clear that the meaning of "one generation and out" wasn't only meant for the dogs.* The animal rights activist movement has taken over the media, veterinarian, public & private schools, animal control & training of those animal control officers as well as lobbyists and legislators. They've infiltrated every thread of what we hold dear. Working together, they have managed to convince everybody and anybody that they are "THE" experts and anything that we do is wrong and a disservice to animals.* Young people that we should have taken under our
wings have turned to assisting the movement and most unfortunately, will never know the joy of our sport.* They will never learn what animal husbandry truly is nor will they ever understand the pride of having bred, loved, cared for and promoted something that upholds the standards that reputable breeders honor.* They'll never know that special bond that develops nor will they learn to distinguish between the joy of victory and the agony of defeat.* Worse, they may never learn that people are supposed to be able to make choices that best suit them - before it's too late. It's up to all of us to take back what has been stolen from us and to learn, quickly, to work together as one.* If we don't take the time to reach out and touch someone now, our sport, our animals and our rights are doomed.* If we don't make every effort to bring new people into our fold, who will take over for you when you hang up your leads?* Who will preserve and continue to i mprove your breed and your s
tandards?* What difference will all of the health research mean when the results are returned - too late - because you are no longer permitted to have animals or the ones you do have must be spayed & neutered?* How will all of that research help when breeding is no longer permitted or the monetary expense to breed far outweighs logic?* Are you content to see it all fall by the wayside knowing the only animals the future will see will be in museums or books?* The animal rights movement is taking away our future, and we, the majority of the showing populace, are dangerously & extremely close to being* - One generation and out.
 
S

Social

New member
*ENTICING NEWCOMERS or SHOOING THEM AWAY?
*
A great majority of*the showing populace has always had an attitude, particularly when a new person would approach them at a show inquiring about their breed or the dogs being shown.*This anomaly*existed way back when and it still exists today.**Looking back, it's clear that this attitude that some still carry with them, is a great part of*the problems today.* We actually shooed people away, thinking that our world would never come to an end and there would be plenty more opportunities to advance our 'lines.'* The showing fancy wasn't thinking about the future and judging by some still existing attitudes, still aren't realizing the bleak future of our sport confronting*us.* We live in America and we can do what we want, can't we?* Dog shows will always exist...won't they?* Worse&n bsp;yet, there are still those*individuals that just cannot seem to get along with their own club members and those within their own breeds, insisting on making life difficult for others by continuing to add fuel to whatever fire some disgruntled person started for no apparent reason other than their own agenda.* Some would suggest that those reasons include selfishness, jealousy and just plain hatred for anybody that might be doing better in the sport than others or those really dangerous persons that think that "they know it all" without having the experience of those before them whom they should be learning from.* All of these factors are nothing more than additions to the animal rights movement.* If you are one of these, you might as well*join forces with the opposition and stop hiding behind your animals.*If you*believe that your actions against others will keep you safe, be forewarned that you are not exempt from that knock on the doo r.*Every person within your club or breed that you destroy, demean or otherwise terrorize,*adds another nail to the coffin we are all facing.* What kind of message are you sending to younger people or any other persons that might have*an interest in our sport when they discover that those who have been in the sport 'forever'*seem to be hell bent on destroying each other and that they are incapable of working together or helping each other?* How in the world can you educate or assist a NEW person interested in the sport or*your breed when you can't seem to find the time to stop fighting amongst your peers and become that helpful educator?*
*
 
S

Social

New member
IT DOESN'T AFFECT ME - WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT
*
I actually have grown fond of this ridiculous comment because it gives me the opportunity to explain what it actually means and why those who use this lame excuse are definitely closer to*being one generation and out than those who understand the circumstances.* Let me set the record straight using a few of the popular "reasons" I have been given over the years.* Everything that goes on in the animal world, especially legislatively,*affects everybody.* Cropping and docking.* You don't crop or dock, either by choice (while still available) or because you don't have a breed that requires or prefers it.* That doesn't mean that you should sit back ignoring that ban,*law or ordinance and not assist those breeds that DO, for rest assured, along with that cropping/docking issue, another issue will follow th at WILL affect you and your breed.*By not assisting, you are allowing for your own loss of*freedom of choice.**Mandatory spay/neuter laws.* You don't live there so it doesn't affect you, but if you don't assist that area, it surely WILL affect you in short order for it will continue to spread like a California wildfire if everybody continues to believe that 'it doesn't affect me'.* Maybe not today, but what will tomorrow bring to your neighborhood, state, city, town or county?* BSL, breed specific legislation.* You don't have "one of those breeds".**Are you sure?* It wouldn't take more than an animal hating neighbor,*mailperson, meter reader,*delivery person or some unruly kid from up the street to report*your five pound, barking, snarling, fence running*'potentially dangerous dog'* even if the dog wasn't lucky enough to get a bite in !* The next thing you know, officials are at* your house and you are subjected to*defending yourself and trying to get your dog out of protective custody all at great expense.* It IS important for everybody to work together for make no mistake, it will come to you just like it came to the other guy.* You remember him - the one that kept saying that it didn't affect*him? *So, those of you that use the old 'it doesn't affect me' excuse, think about it before you say it or come up with something better.*
*
Of all the emails I receive, the most common is "What can I do about it?* It's just the way it is."* This is not true and you are only deceiving yourself if you believe that.* You, we, are the only ones that CAN do something about it.*We are the*ones that are losing*our integrity, pride and reputations and the irony is that it's being taken from us by those who don't have near the 'expertise' that we have.* What they do have is talent in "marketing, promoting and fund raising".* It's up to all of us to become astute in these same areas, reverse the current trend and take back what is ours.* Need a few common suggestions?**Here, let me help you out ...Advertise for new club members, start a kennel club/breed club blog, hold fun events for the public, stop by that place that you are 'sur e' is a*puppy mill, visit that commercial kennel -*get to know them before you make any comments, offer tips and suggestions,*help them, listen to them,*befriend them, educate them and be educated in return*- go over to Farmer Bob's, step over those cow paddies and talk to him, ask him if he knows his right to farm or raise livestock is endangered, go to schools and ask to speak to the children, make arrangements to take dogs with you, get media attention by working with children -* sponsoring adoption days (purebred or otherwise)*or turning your club classes into a class to teach responsible animal ownership and safety around dogs and invite parents as well as senior citizens, get them to help with fundraising, stop by your town hall and ask for the meeting agenda, check for any agenda subject animal related and attend the meeting, talk to churches, hunters, any sportsmen, call a special kennel club or breed club meeting of those me mbers that are still active (before they hang up their leads or take that dirt nap) and discuss ideas, research your towns and participate in events offered,*check with girl scouts, boy scouts, invite them to your shows or public events, attend council meetings, introduce yourself, (invite them to your events & shows,too), and get involved with rescue work in your breed.* Pure breed rescue is one of the biggest problems that we have - every time one shows up in some shelter, every breeder is accused of putting it there - the fingers don't only point to the irresponsible breeders.* We are all affected and the time has now come to be effective rather than affected.
*
 
S

Social

New member
USE THAT TOOL THAT'S ON YOUR SHOULDERS*
*
The AKC has many informative brochures, flyers and pamphlets*that can be placed in*assorted locations and they have educational programs that can be used in school systems.* They can provide you with CD's, DVD's, classroom workbooks for teachers and a large assortment of other publications that can be used for*just about any venue, including legislators. *Take advantage of them.* Utilize the tools that are available to you, especially that one that sits on your shoulders... and get creative.* We are losing everything that we've worked so hard to achieve.* We're losing our 'expert' title, our rights, our freedom of choice, our animals - and it just keeps coming with no end in sight, except our demise.* There are many other organizations, pet law lists, and breed legislation lists that are jam packed with good information that you can use.* All you need to do is ... DO IT - before it's too late to do, and my friends, that time is quick approaching.* The plane is circling the airport for a landing and we need more people standing on the runway....!
*
THE CHALLENGE
*
The dog fancy is generally not very laid back and those that I know will fight to the bitter end about any subject* We've always had the spit 'n' fire to strike back.* Where is that aggressiveness now?* For those that have told me that they fear some sort of retaliation, know that the more visible you are, the less likely you are to be targeted.**With that said, how many of you will step up and start working toward reversing the travesty befalling us?* How many of you will make an effort to stop using derogatory terms or take the time to educate?* How many will prove that they are part of the dedicated fancy and work together to make a difference?*
*
And, last, but not least, I don't want to forget about those in the sport that I mentioned earlier who are still intent on being vicious towards their comrades.* Those who can't seem to get past making their own breed and club members miserable and those who can't stop complaining about or accusing their peers of some heinous crime, hi volume breeders or commercial facilities.* You*have a "special gift" and it's time for you to put it to better use against those who would see you dog-less, or just let us all know when you fall off the fence into the AR pit so we can start working on a "potentially dangerous animal owner" law.
*
shared by Peggy (with permission)

--
 
mrsnamsherf

mrsnamsherf

Member
Insightful comment about how animal rights activists (extremists, I mean, not every person who cares about animal welfare) have changed people's views. A lot of things have changed in the way animals have been treated over the years. Many of these things are good, but there does seem to be an extreme trend, and a quickness to judge what others do with their animals. And I am not talking about judging abuse, but just being harsh and critical of others' choices with their dogs. For example, the hot controversy over things like prong collars. I find it rather humorous that here, on a GIANT breed forum, I have seen the most endorsement of them. After all, If you have a miniature poodle, it is easy to say there is no need for a prong. When I first saw a prong, I thought it was mean. But then I had a Lab who yanked my arm off every time he saw another dog...and I have a bad neck. He respected the prong, and remembered not to lunge too far. But he never seemed to fear it or mind wearing it. I am not making a case for prongs, per se, just pointing out how we DO get to think there is "one right way", and then begin to judge others. I was reluctant to take my Mac, wearing a prong, into places like PetSmart because of the disapproving looks I would get from folks. :nono: So I would take him in a different collar. Stupid, I know-I should not fear what they think-but there it was.

Also, on more than one occasion, I have heard people say that no one should be breeding while there are animals still in shelters. Which sounded good, at first. Until someone else pointed out that in the meantime, all the purebreds will pass away, and all the breeds will be gone. :uhoh2: And have any of you ever gotten the feeling, when talking to someone, that you would have been better in their eyes if your dog had been a rescue? Rescues are great...I have had two...and rescuing is good. But there is nothing wrong, IMO, with wanting a certain look/type and purchasing a dog, either.

As far as reaching out to people, I have seen the lack thereof. I had, prior to reading this, commented on it to my husband after experiencing multiple frustrations trying to attend dog shows. I have tried for two years to make contact with my local all-breed dog show coordinators. I mentioned that I would be a spectator, and that I would like to know what time specific breeds would be showing. No response, either year, even after more than one e-mail, to more than one person. It is the biggest show I know of in our area, and it only happens once a year. There appears to be little attempt made to involve the general public. Few signs telling what classes were where, or what times. No signs explaining what was happening in the ring. Unless you were actually involved IN the show in some way, there was very little info available at all. Even at the awards table-there was no information booth, or the like-no one seemed to know much, like what classes happened when. Consequently, I missed out on the classes I would have liked to see. And it was a huge three day show with multiple breeds and an agility show going on at the same park at the same time. But there were parking attendants charging 5$ to park. If I had just been a family casually dropping by to take in the dog show, I would likely have left no wiser than when I came in. It was all very mystifying, actually. :nod:

Furthermore, it is difficult to find out when there are other shows because they do not seem to be advertised...I have struggled to find a website that tells about local shows. And I live in Seattle...a very dog-friendly city. It's quite perplexing. I would love to attend more dog events...but how? :confused:

These experiences are just illustrations of things I have seen that reflect what the author is saying is happening. Interesting to think about.

Marie
 
CMDRTED

CMDRTED

New member
Marie, Info Dog lists all shows in the US, with the premimum and Judging program which gives ring times and locations (ring number) Try that.

I don't know about Juniors going away. I know a family Mom, Dad, and 6 children. EVERYONE is involved in either showing grooming, etc. My Handler is one of them. She is only 23. The other kids range down to 8. They all show, or help. There is some hope out there.
 
grtpyrlvr

grtpyrlvr

New member
I can actually see and experience both sides of this coin.....

I am on the board of Directors of a rescue that saves "Big Fluffy Dogs" from shelters and adopts them out. I also have a daughter who is a junior handler.

I am friends with many who professionally show and breed their dogs to better the breed. For that I am thankful because this is a breed that I truly adore and would hate to see it go away. These are responsible people who will keep their puppies until the right owner comes along. They provide follow up and are genuinely interested in how the puppies are doing and their welfare. They 100% all agree that you do not breed to make money. Most times the out of pocket expense is much greater then any profit that might be had by the time the litter is sold.


Now the flip side......... Every day I receive at least 50 E-mails about a pyrenees, st bernard, (supposed) newf or mix etc etc..... (We have over 20 volunteers, this is just in my in-box) Some we can save but many others are killed. So you can see you outrage people who rescue dogs feel. The statistics on Pure Bred dogs killed in shelters all over this country is enormous. This is because everyone feels they should be able to do what they want with their dog.

So does it make me angry to hear someone say "We have not spayed her because we might breed her." My first questions is "why"? Wanna experience the birth process? Look up your local rescue we are ALWAYS looking for people who will take in a pregnant mom. If you are not health testing, showing in confirmation, agility, or another working class then you should not breed...PERIOD.


So I do believe their should be some regulation involved and I feel AKC should be at the forefront of it. Years ago you had to search high and low to find a breeder for most breeds. Now you can do a search on the internet, craigslist etc and find every Joe in the country breeding their boxer, lab, etc... This is actually hurting the breeders. Hence why AKC should be involved.

Some countries require breeders to obtain a license in order to breed their dog. Is that so outlandish? We need some type of regulation in order to keep "dog showing and conformation" alive. This means the cooperation of the truly great breeders and the public.

I'm afraid something has to be done and someone needs to step forward before things get worse. Breed specific bans are not because of the breed but rather bad breeding.

Case in point....In CT 3 newf's attacked and killed a lab. Everyone here was outraged over the fact that we could not believe this breed could do that. Once again a bad breeder is the reason that a "breed" is placed into the spotlight as "aggressive". Had we of had stronger regulation and rules in place this person should never of been allowed to breed.
 
Windancer

Windancer

New member
grtpyrlvr..I can certainly agree with and empathise with your post...My only question is..who would make the decision on who breeds, and under what criteria?
 
B

BLCOLE

Active member
grtpyrlvr said:
I am on the board of Directors of a rescue that saves "Big Fluffy Dogs" from shelters and adopts them out.
Click to expand...
Could you PM or email me information on your organization? At the very least, I would probably be interested in adopting an adult Newf in the future. After my Calza leaves this life.

I have a preference for seniors, which may otherwise be hard to place. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top