This week Roxy gets to be in the Sepia Showcase:
Isn't she beautiful? Can you believe that someone threw her away?!
It's Sepia Saturday! Hop around and see what other sepia beauties you can find.-- K
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Saturday, March 29, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
UNtruth in Advertizing
I'm dubbing this Thoughtless Thursday post MINDless Thursday -- not nearly as poetic, but more accurate. You'd have to be out of your mind to believe this:
I saw this product in the store three weeks before the commercial came out. I brought it home and was beyond disappointed. The popper doesn't always set, and even when it does it just flings the treat any which way. One is still stuck behind the TV. The dogs weren't impressed by the treat delivery either. I get a more excited reaction when I toss things by hand. It's not a total waste, the dogs did eat the treats (but hey, they eat cat poop, so . . .)
Long story short: If you see this, walk away. Save your $6 for something else. -- K
P.S. This is a blog hop. Maybe someone else has something more positive to share.
Long story short: If you see this, walk away. Save your $6 for something else. -- K
P.S. This is a blog hop. Maybe someone else has something more positive to share.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Beach Day
Every spring the German Shepherd Dog Club gets together for a beach day. We bring our dogs, potluck goodies and beach chairs. Dogs play, kids bury each other in the sand, grown-ups socialize and eat too much. It's one of the most fun meetings of the year.
This year we went to Hanna Park. You should have seen the look on everybody's face when over dozen German shepherds (and one Doberman pinscher) walked down the beach to take a picture!
It's Wordless Wednesday! Hop around and see what others have to share. -- K
This year we went to Hanna Park. You should have seen the look on everybody's face when over dozen German shepherds (and one Doberman pinscher) walked down the beach to take a picture!
It's Wordless Wednesday! Hop around and see what others have to share. -- K
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Tasty Tuesday
I had training at the Red Cross on Saturday. I didn't realize that the Red Cross building is right next to the Riverside Arts Market -- lucky me! While wandering through stalls full of organic vegetables, handcrafted jewelry and incredible artwork, I came across Bubba's Bistro. This stall was selling dog treats, and giving out free samples to all the dogs stopping by. They smelled delicious. I was too chicken to try one in public, but all the dogs seemed to like them.
I spent some time talking to the owner/chef. She told me that all her treats are made with human grade ingredients (meats, cheeses, etc.) but without salt, sugar or preservatives. These are the kinds of treats I'd make if I was as talented/motivated as Jodi over at Kol's Notes. I'm not, so I brought home a sampler instead. Inside were:
It's Tasty Tuesday! Hop around and see what others are chewing on today. Who knows, you might feel inspired to cook something yummy for your pups. If you're a bad cook non-cooker like me, check out Bubba's Bistro. -- K
P.S. And if you're cheap like me, grab the coupon on Facebook. Just sayin . . .
I spent some time talking to the owner/chef. She told me that all her treats are made with human grade ingredients (meats, cheeses, etc.) but without salt, sugar or preservatives. These are the kinds of treats I'd make if I was as talented/motivated as Jodi over at Kol's Notes. I'm not, so I brought home a sampler instead. Inside were:
- Turkey Parmesan Mutt Balls
- Ham and Swiss Mutt Balls
- Banana Nut Pawscotti
- Cheese Bone Cookies
P.S. And if you're cheap like me, grab the coupon on Facebook. Just sayin . . .
Sunday, March 23, 2014
And The Winner Is . . .
WOW! Kelley's Dog Blog (US!) is the latest recipient of the Sunshine Award. This is an award given by bloggers to other bloggers that they admire. I'm honored that Britt over at Mit Hundeliv felt us worthy, especially since I enjoy her blog so much. I get a kick out of reading the adventures of Laika, a beautiful GSD in Denmark. It's fun to compare the lives of Laika and Jedi. Surprisingly, there are more similarities than differences. (P.S. Hit the translate button to read the blog in English, though the pictures do such a great job telling the story that translation is often unnecessary.)
The recipients of this award are expected to do three things:
Task Number 1
Task Number 2
Task Number 3
Dog Mammas: Biddy and Tristan are not your stereotypical show dogs. They run, play, hunt, train and amuse. It's always fun to see what's coming up next! This blog gives me hope. I've just entered the world of dog showing. I'm clumsy and clueless, old and out of shape -- yet I keep moving forward, sharing my mistakes along the way. Kathryn is also an owner/handler, and further along on a similar journey. She has shared countless tips and encouraging words with me over the past 6 months.
Doggerel: The first time I visited this blog was because of a beautiful Wordless Wednesday picture of a German shepherd -- I'm not going to lie! But I continue to visit the blog because of the content -- it's fresh, honest and well written. Want to feel inadequate? Check out the reading list.
The Five Dog Blog: Living Life Simply Messy: First of all, how can you NOT like the title? Erin is a dog trainer with a full house. She shares tips on everything from training for the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) to cleaning leather collars. And she doesn't stress over dirty laundry and dust bunnies.
Go Pet Friendly: I was reading this blog before I even thought about blogs (or blogging). This blog follows a couple and their dogs as they travel North America in a Winnebago. They visit pet friendly places and share their experiences. Forget #6 above -- this is what I want to do when I grow up! OH! I forgot to mention the best part of the site: you can search pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, parks and more by city or category.
Hiking with Fido: This blog makes me a little homesick. It follows the adventures of Jake the Pit Bull as he hikes Southern California (and beyond). The author posts beautiful pictures as well as tips on everything from hiking safety to everyday training.
Keep the Tail Wagging: This is probably the biggest, most active blog I follow. I don't read every post (stupid life cuts into my blog time, dammit) but I pick up something every time I do. Kimberly and I don't agree on every issue, but she's always open to hearing a different point of view while articulating her position.
Kol's Notes: This blog is my guilty pleasure. It's a fun, full of recipes, DIY projects, product reviews and giveaways. It's well written with great pictures and snarky Canadian humor. Unfortunately, Jodi tends to inspire delusions of grandeur, as in "Hey, maybe I can be crafty after all!" The answer is no, but it's fun to pretend.
Oz the Terrier: Here is another fun-loving, Florida pup. Oz's adventures make me want to do more with my dogs. Seriously, we've got the tent and all the accessories, why don't we camp anymore?
Rhymes with Safari: This is another GSD blog that is more than just pretty pictures. (But don't poo poo pretty pictures!) The author, Kari, discusses dog training and behavior. Make sure to check out her book Bark and Lunge, "a truthful, sometimes painful, always hopeful account of life with a dog who has anxiety and reactivity issues."
Something Wagging This Way Comes: I subscribe to this blog and look forward to seeing it in my inbox every morning. It's a fun, eclectic, often tongue-in-cheek collection of dog-related thoughts and tips.
Well, that's ten. I'm sure as soon that as I hit "publish" I'm going to think of ten more! I hope you take the time to visit the blogs above to see why I love them so much. If I've missed your favorite, please share! -- K
The recipients of this award are expected to do three things:
- Publicly thank the nominator
- Share ten things about themselves, and
- Nominate ten other blogs
Task Number 1
Thanks again Britt for thinking so highly of us!
Task Number 2
- I'm left-handed.
- My first dog, Eli, was named after a Three Dog Night song.
- I fell in love with German shepherds watching Run, Joe, Run at the age of 6. (Go ahead, do the math.)
- Hubby and I have been married 25 years. I can't believe that man has put up with me for a quarter century!
- I lived in Japan for three years.
- I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up.
- I've wanted to show dogs since I was 9(ish) but didn't get my first AKC papered dog until 35 years later. I got in the ring for the first time last September. It's harder than it looks.
- I love dark chocolate.
- I'm a huge Star Wars fan. (Being that I named my dog Jedi Mind Trick, you probably figured that one out on your own.)
- I love a good pun (and several bad ones).
Task Number 3
Dog Mammas: Biddy and Tristan are not your stereotypical show dogs. They run, play, hunt, train and amuse. It's always fun to see what's coming up next! This blog gives me hope. I've just entered the world of dog showing. I'm clumsy and clueless, old and out of shape -- yet I keep moving forward, sharing my mistakes along the way. Kathryn is also an owner/handler, and further along on a similar journey. She has shared countless tips and encouraging words with me over the past 6 months.
Doggerel: The first time I visited this blog was because of a beautiful Wordless Wednesday picture of a German shepherd -- I'm not going to lie! But I continue to visit the blog because of the content -- it's fresh, honest and well written. Want to feel inadequate? Check out the reading list.
The Five Dog Blog: Living Life Simply Messy: First of all, how can you NOT like the title? Erin is a dog trainer with a full house. She shares tips on everything from training for the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) to cleaning leather collars. And she doesn't stress over dirty laundry and dust bunnies.
Go Pet Friendly: I was reading this blog before I even thought about blogs (or blogging). This blog follows a couple and their dogs as they travel North America in a Winnebago. They visit pet friendly places and share their experiences. Forget #6 above -- this is what I want to do when I grow up! OH! I forgot to mention the best part of the site: you can search pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, parks and more by city or category.
Hiking with Fido: This blog makes me a little homesick. It follows the adventures of Jake the Pit Bull as he hikes Southern California (and beyond). The author posts beautiful pictures as well as tips on everything from hiking safety to everyday training.
Keep the Tail Wagging: This is probably the biggest, most active blog I follow. I don't read every post (stupid life cuts into my blog time, dammit) but I pick up something every time I do. Kimberly and I don't agree on every issue, but she's always open to hearing a different point of view while articulating her position.
Kol's Notes: This blog is my guilty pleasure. It's a fun, full of recipes, DIY projects, product reviews and giveaways. It's well written with great pictures and snarky Canadian humor. Unfortunately, Jodi tends to inspire delusions of grandeur, as in "Hey, maybe I can be crafty after all!" The answer is no, but it's fun to pretend.
Oz the Terrier: Here is another fun-loving, Florida pup. Oz's adventures make me want to do more with my dogs. Seriously, we've got the tent and all the accessories, why don't we camp anymore?
Rhymes with Safari: This is another GSD blog that is more than just pretty pictures. (But don't poo poo pretty pictures!) The author, Kari, discusses dog training and behavior. Make sure to check out her book Bark and Lunge, "a truthful, sometimes painful, always hopeful account of life with a dog who has anxiety and reactivity issues."
Something Wagging This Way Comes: I subscribe to this blog and look forward to seeing it in my inbox every morning. It's a fun, eclectic, often tongue-in-cheek collection of dog-related thoughts and tips.
Well, that's ten. I'm sure as soon that as I hit "publish" I'm going to think of ten more! I hope you take the time to visit the blogs above to see why I love them so much. If I've missed your favorite, please share! -- K
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Sepia Humor
Apparently Roxy said something that Jedi thought was very funny -- or am I anthropomorphizing the dogs again? Either way, it's this week's Sepia Saturday submission. Say that five times fast and then hop around and see what other's are doing today. -- K
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Sepia Love
This is the face of love.
When things get bad I just focus on this face and let everything else fade away.
When things get bad I just focus on this face and let everything else fade away.
It's Sepia Saturday. Let's see what others are focusing on today! -- K
Friday, March 14, 2014
Dog Show Points
First of all, the AKC separates the country into 15 different divisions. Each division has a different point schedule, so a dog may need to defeat more dogs in one division than in another. We're in Division 4 (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina). The schedule for German shepherds looks like this:
1 2 3 4 5
GSD 2 2 5 5 7 8 10 12 14 18
The numbers on top are the point value of the show. The numbers below show how many dogs (males) or how many bitches (females) are required for those point values. You can see that 1-3 points are even. But when you get to 4 and 5 point shows, it changes. To earn 4 points, a dog only has to beat 9 other dogs; a bitch has to beat 11 other bitches to earn the same amount of points. The point schedule changes every year too. After May 15th, it'll look like this:
1 2 3 4 5
GSD 2 2 5 5 8 8 10 12 14 19
The formula used to calculate the point values is based on the number of dogs shown the previous year. Not much of change this year, but some years it's downright drastic!
To make things more complicated, shows valued 3 or more points are called "majors." To make Champion, a dog's 15 points include two majors under separate judges. However, calculating Jedi's points is easy; Jedi has ZERO points.
I explained the basics of how a dog works in Dog Show 101. Go ahead and check it out. And if you happen to be near the St. John's County Fairgrounds on April 5, 6 or 18 (the specialty shows are in the same place), come by and cheer us on. Who knows we may even win some points! -- K
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Pet Blogger Influencer Group
A few months ago I joined the Pet Blogger Influencer Group. We're an eclectic collection of
"pet bloggers/microbloggers/pet parents sharing their opinions and being a valued voice in the ever-growing pet blogosphere." It's a new group and I'm not sure where it's going. Blogpaws took the results from the initial surveys compiled into a nifty infographic (below).
So what does this mean? Maybe that I'm pretty normal -- as far as bloggers go at least! Places where I agree with the others are:
So here's the infographic. Take from it what you will. And let me know what you think. -- K
"pet bloggers/microbloggers/pet parents sharing their opinions and being a valued voice in the ever-growing pet blogosphere." It's a new group and I'm not sure where it's going. Blogpaws took the results from the initial surveys compiled into a nifty infographic (below).
So what does this mean? Maybe that I'm pretty normal -- as far as bloggers go at least! Places where I agree with the others are:
- I DO buy "gifts" for my dog (but I don't wrap them.)
- I WOULD (and have) done without to care for my pets. I've mentioned before how I work Christmas and New Year's every year so I have the overtime to pay for the dogs' annual check-up every January.
- I DO shop online for pet stuff (gotta love Amazon!)
- I DO use household "human" products for the dogs -- except toothbrushes. I use finger brushes for the dogs. I think they're easier.
- And apparently I DON'T blog too much (much to Hubby's dismay).
So here's the infographic. Take from it what you will. And let me know what you think. -- K
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Wordless Wednesday
Even Jedi thinks this Daylight Savings thing is bogus. Normally he's up and ready to go before 6 AM. I've even blogged about how annoying that is. But not today! I rolled out of bed at 5:30 and that S.O.B. took my spot before the sheets had a chance to get cold. Hubby and Jedi were in the same positions when I slipped out a hour later. I am so jealous.
To add insult to injury, my friend tagged me on Facebook. For this:
I want one, but I'm trying to be frugal. (I'm saving for next month's dog shows. At $25-$30 each those entry fees add up fast!) However, if you want one click here. And if you're looking for a birthday gift for "someone," I wear an XL.
It's Wednesday! Click around and see what other less wordy people are doing today. -- K
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
I Love Pill Pockets!
It's Tasty Tuesday! Pet Bloggers worldwide share all kinds of tasty pet treats. I've made a few of the gems found on Kol's Notes in the past. (BTW, Four paws up in this house!) Today I'm sharing one of my favorite finds. Granted, Greenies Pill Pockets may not be considered "treats" but apparently they are tasty. And they're a lifesaver at our house!
A little history: Roxy is my rescue dog. Once upon a time we were going to "foster" her and find her a good family. It's been seven years, she's not going anywhere. Roxy is ours. And Roxy is a hot mess. She's spastic and neurotic and quirky. (Don't get me wrong, she's also funny and loving and mischievous, and I can't imagine life without her.) Among her many issues, Roxy has allergies. In the spring and fall when the pollen count is high she is scratching and chewing like crazy. Left to her own devices she'd be bald. Benadryl and prescription meds help -- when we can get her to take it. Unfortunately Roxy is also the pickiest dog I've ever known. She always approaches her bowl with caution, giving a sideways glances as if she suspects were poisoning her. She picks through every kibble looking for the hidden dangers. So when we actually do spike her food with medicine she knows. We've tried hiding pills in cheese and peanut butter and even raw meat, but she just eats around them leaving the pills in the bottom of the dish. We've tried crushing them and mixing the powder into scrambled eggs, hamburgers and canned food. Potted meat (you know, that super salty meat paste for 49 cents a can) is the only thing that even marginally works. And that stuff is disgusting! So for the past seven years we've had to hold Roxy down and shove Benadryl down her throat just so she could stop itching. It's rather traumatic for all involved.
Then last Christmas I got a bag of Greenies Pill Pockets in a gift exchange. I tried them out and Roxy loves them! Now I hide her pills inside the pill pockets, tell her they're treats and she eats them right up. Petsmart carries a bag of 30 for around 8 bucks. Amazon junkies like me can find them for less than $6. And they are worth the money!
Greenies Pill Pockets come in four flavors: chicken, peanut butter, hickory, and pea and duck. Roxy love them all, but I recommend staying away from the pea and duck if you have a sensitive stomach. The smell is horrible! I've gagged over my morning coffee more than once.
I had seen Greenies Pill Pockets at the pet stores for years before I tried them. Why? Because I was cheap -- and stupid. If you have a Roxy in your life, please don't follow my example. I don't want to think about how many years of force feeding we could have avoided. . . . OK, enough of my melodrama. It's Tasty Tuesday! Hop around and see what others have come up with. -- K
An old -- but accurate -- picture of Roxy, our goofy girl |
Then last Christmas I got a bag of Greenies Pill Pockets in a gift exchange. I tried them out and Roxy loves them! Now I hide her pills inside the pill pockets, tell her they're treats and she eats them right up. Petsmart carries a bag of 30 for around 8 bucks. Amazon junkies like me can find them for less than $6. And they are worth the money!
Greenies Pill Pockets come in four flavors: chicken, peanut butter, hickory, and pea and duck. Roxy love them all, but I recommend staying away from the pea and duck if you have a sensitive stomach. The smell is horrible! I've gagged over my morning coffee more than once.
I had seen Greenies Pill Pockets at the pet stores for years before I tried them. Why? Because I was cheap -- and stupid. If you have a Roxy in your life, please don't follow my example. I don't want to think about how many years of force feeding we could have avoided. . . . OK, enough of my melodrama. It's Tasty Tuesday! Hop around and see what others have come up with. -- K
Monday, March 10, 2014
Dog Show Survival Kit
I say it all the time -- I am not crafty. So when I see simple, doable things my brain screams in delight. And if they're clever and creative as well, I just go bananas. My most recent banana-find is a DIY Dog Show Survival Kit over at Corgi Pants (my latest OMG blog). Not only does she neatly fit two dozen must-haves into a standard pencil box, but her explanations of what and why will have you rolling. See the box? Follow the link for instructions.
Got your shopping list? Then go! See you at Wal-mart. -- K
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Putting On A Show, Part 2
Following my last post about putting on a dog show, I'd like to share some of the stuff that goes on behind the scenes. Here is a list of jobs that our Show Secretary came up with to help get club members to volunteer. I tweaked it slightly, by am by no means taking credit for it!
To pull this off we need everybody to help out somewhere. NOTE: Most positions will be manned by multiple people, and a person can work in multiple positions. Since this can be intimidating for inexperienced members, tips for newbies are italicized.
Advertising -- This person/committee will contact local radio and television stations to try and get coverage of our shows, as well as put notices on free websites like Craigslist, What's Happening in Jacksonville, etc. (Newbies: creativity and “thinking outside the box” a definite plus.)
Chief Ring Steward/Ring Stewards -- One person (Chief Steward) accepts responsibility of directing stewards in addition to stewarding. Stewards are needed for each ring. Stewards call dogs the ring, ensure handlers are in the order as they enter the ring, and maintain a catalog showing placement of each class and individual winners. Stewards also help judges in anything and everything needed to do the job: judge’s book, pens, ribbons, trophies ready to be given to winners, etc. (Newbies: This is the most exciting position at the show. If you want to learn about Conformation shows, please consider this position.)
Concessions -- Responsible for setting up concessions for our shows. This person/committee will solicit donations from the club, buy the food used, line up club members to help sell concessions, and set up/tear down the concession area. Receipts are turned into the Treasurer for reimbursement. (Newbies: When done right, we make decent money selling concessions. There’ve been times when the concession sales kept us from going in the red on a show. It’s not a difficult position, but it’s a very important one.)
Grounds and Set Up -- Responsible for setting everything up for the show: tables, chairs and whatever else is needed. Also responsible to help clean up after the show and pack stuff away. (Newbies: Although we need someone to head this up, everybody should pitch in to set up and break down.)
Hospitality -- Responsible for making sure the judges get to the show from motel and ensures they are fed lunch during breaks; Arranges and sets up the hospitality room for those attending our shows; Gets donations from club members and buys necessary supplies. Receipts are turned into the Treasurer for reimbursement. (Newbies: This is usually handled by more than one person. Creativity and banquet experience is a plus but not required.)
Judges’ Gifts -- Since most judges just charge our club for expenses, we always give thank you gifts. This person/committee will check with the Show Chairman as to who the judges are, and find appropriate gifts for each one. Receipts are turned into the Treasurer for reimbursement. (Newbies: Show Chairman will give you a ball park on what you should spend.)
Parking -- Assist with parking cars and RV's at our show site; direct people where to park RV's, collect parking fees, and help with any issues that arise with parking problems.
Premium Distribution -- Once the Show Secretary has created the premium, this person will distribute the premium to a list of prior attendees. We have an email list for most of these; however, some request a hard copy of the premium so these must be mailed out. The person taking this position will receive a PDF file of the premium so can easily print out and mail.
Show Chairman -- Responsible for the physical show location, equipment, trophies, concessions, publicity, and manpower. The Show Chairman assigns committees, but is ultimately responsible for everything. Our Show Chairman secures judges and ensures that all AKC paperwork and regulations are handled properly. (Interested newbies are encouraged to shadow Chairman.)
Show Secretary -- Responsible for the premium compilation, approval, printing, and distribution as well as catalog compilation, approval, printing, and distribution. Our Show Secretary ensures that all entry fees are paid (which is harder than it should be). Secretary also ensures that all armbands are properly distributed at the show. (Interested newbies are encouraged to shadow Secretary.)
Show Secretary Assistant -- At least one person is needed to assist the Show Secretary at the shows. Entrants will be coming by to pick up their armbands for their classes. Some will need to pay for their entries at the show as well. You will help the Show Secretary hand out armbands, collect funds due, etc. (Newbies: This position can be a bit hectic at the beginning of the show. However, you will sit next to an experienced club member and you will learn a lot.)
That's a lot, hunh? And there are hundreds of little things that pop up unexpectedly. Truthfully, it takes the better part of a year to put together a show. We'll be tired and giddy after our shows in April, bask in the glory of a job well done in May, and then will elect a Show Chairman and Show Secretary and start planning our 2015 shows in June. And we're just a Specialty Club (as in German Shepherds only). I can't imagine all the work that goes into an all-breed show!
Dog Show Duties
To pull this off we need everybody to help out somewhere. NOTE: Most positions will be manned by multiple people, and a person can work in multiple positions. Since this can be intimidating for inexperienced members, tips for newbies are italicized.
Advertising -- This person/committee will contact local radio and television stations to try and get coverage of our shows, as well as put notices on free websites like Craigslist, What's Happening in Jacksonville, etc. (Newbies: creativity and “thinking outside the box” a definite plus.)
Chief Ring Steward/Ring Stewards -- One person (Chief Steward) accepts responsibility of directing stewards in addition to stewarding. Stewards are needed for each ring. Stewards call dogs the ring, ensure handlers are in the order as they enter the ring, and maintain a catalog showing placement of each class and individual winners. Stewards also help judges in anything and everything needed to do the job: judge’s book, pens, ribbons, trophies ready to be given to winners, etc. (Newbies: This is the most exciting position at the show. If you want to learn about Conformation shows, please consider this position.)
Concessions -- Responsible for setting up concessions for our shows. This person/committee will solicit donations from the club, buy the food used, line up club members to help sell concessions, and set up/tear down the concession area. Receipts are turned into the Treasurer for reimbursement. (Newbies: When done right, we make decent money selling concessions. There’ve been times when the concession sales kept us from going in the red on a show. It’s not a difficult position, but it’s a very important one.)
Grounds and Set Up -- Responsible for setting everything up for the show: tables, chairs and whatever else is needed. Also responsible to help clean up after the show and pack stuff away. (Newbies: Although we need someone to head this up, everybody should pitch in to set up and break down.)
Hospitality -- Responsible for making sure the judges get to the show from motel and ensures they are fed lunch during breaks; Arranges and sets up the hospitality room for those attending our shows; Gets donations from club members and buys necessary supplies. Receipts are turned into the Treasurer for reimbursement. (Newbies: This is usually handled by more than one person. Creativity and banquet experience is a plus but not required.)
Judges’ Gifts -- Since most judges just charge our club for expenses, we always give thank you gifts. This person/committee will check with the Show Chairman as to who the judges are, and find appropriate gifts for each one. Receipts are turned into the Treasurer for reimbursement. (Newbies: Show Chairman will give you a ball park on what you should spend.)
Premium Distribution -- Once the Show Secretary has created the premium, this person will distribute the premium to a list of prior attendees. We have an email list for most of these; however, some request a hard copy of the premium so these must be mailed out. The person taking this position will receive a PDF file of the premium so can easily print out and mail.
Ribbons for Show -- Responsible for all the ribbons and plaques needed for our shows
including the Futurity/Maturity; Contacts vendor and places order; Once order is received, ensures the club was sent the correct ribbons; Creatively displays
awards at the show. (Newbies: Guidance will be given as to what awards are required.)
Show Chairman -- Responsible for the physical show location, equipment, trophies, concessions, publicity, and manpower. The Show Chairman assigns committees, but is ultimately responsible for everything. Our Show Chairman secures judges and ensures that all AKC paperwork and regulations are handled properly. (Interested newbies are encouraged to shadow Chairman.)
Show Secretary -- Responsible for the premium compilation, approval, printing, and distribution as well as catalog compilation, approval, printing, and distribution. Our Show Secretary ensures that all entry fees are paid (which is harder than it should be). Secretary also ensures that all armbands are properly distributed at the show. (Interested newbies are encouraged to shadow Secretary.)
Show Secretary Assistant -- At least one person is needed to assist the Show Secretary at the shows. Entrants will be coming by to pick up their armbands for their classes. Some will need to pay for their entries at the show as well. You will help the Show Secretary hand out armbands, collect funds due, etc. (Newbies: This position can be a bit hectic at the beginning of the show. However, you will sit next to an experienced club member and you will learn a lot.)
That's a lot, hunh? And there are hundreds of little things that pop up unexpectedly. Truthfully, it takes the better part of a year to put together a show. We'll be tired and giddy after our shows in April, bask in the glory of a job well done in May, and then will elect a Show Chairman and Show Secretary and start planning our 2015 shows in June. And we're just a Specialty Club (as in German Shepherds only). I can't imagine all the work that goes into an all-breed show!
So, wanna put on a show? Wanna see ours? -- K
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Sepia Saturday
Today Jedi and I are sharing one of our favorite spots. Tucked up against the freeway -- just a stone's throw from yet another Super Wal-Mart -- is the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. There's a foot bridge on the Jones Creek trail that crosses over a slow moving stream. If you're quiet you can hear birds and frogs and crickets. And if you're still you can see fish swimming through the oak-filtered sunlight. I can sit here for an hour (though Jedi gets bored after 10 minutes). When people say "go to your happy place" this is where I go!
Disclaimer: I'm still playing with my photo editor. Instead of using sepia on this picture, I used a brown filter instead. I like it! The picture has a sepia tone, but you can still bits of green. Cool, hunh?
This is a blog hop. Why not check out what others are doing with color? -- K
Friday, March 7, 2014
Putting On A Show, Part 1
Our Premium -- kind of an event announcement and sign up |
A couple of our older, more experienced club members have been doing this for years. They're tired and want to pass the baton. Most of our members are new to the fancy and inexperienced (me included). We are clueless to how you:
- Find/secure a venue
- Find judges
- Fill out AKC paperwork
- Advertise the show
- Set up the rings
- Find trophies, ribbons and rosettes
- Host a Hospitality Dinner
- Put together the Premium
- Put together the Catalog
- Buy proper insurance
- plus 100 other things
This year I am "keeper of the lists." I'm sending out premiums to prior exhibitors as well as adding new ones as new requests come in. The last list keeper's hard drive crashed, so all I have to work from is a print out. I'm recreating the database. It's tedious, but I actually enjoy it. Once entries start coming in I'm helping with the catalog too.
So have I totally confused you? I forget that there are people out there who know even less about dog showing than I do! Let me break down the terminology, starting with the premium above.
- Premium -- a pamphlet created by the show superintendent or show secretary which is mailed to prospective exhibitors. It lists all the pertinent info: the club(s) hosting the show, the date(s) and location of the show, the judges, classes and awards offered, etc. The premium also contains required forms, specifies the fees for entering, and lists the closing date by which entries must be received. The AKC stipulates that the premium must be available at least six weeks before closing date. Don't confuse this with the . . .
- Catalog -- a booklet sold at shows which lists each entered dog's entry number, class entered, registered name and number, breeder, owner, sire (father), dam (mother), and date of birth. Putting this together takes a lot of attention to detail!
- Specialty Show -- a dog show of only one breed, given by a Specialty Club (i.e. the German Shepherd Dog Club of North Florida). Because it's only one breed, you get more entrants for that breed (thus a higher point value). However, there are still fewer overall entrants than at an all-breed show, so a club can hold two shows on one day (thus twice as many chances to win). This is different from an . . .
- All-Breed Show -- a dog show where all (or almost all) the different purebred breeds are being shown and judged simultaneously. Dogs that win Best of Breed go onto to Best of Group and then group winners go up for Best in Show. Think Westminster.
- Match -- a practice dog show for new dogs and dog handlers. Matches are more relaxed and usually judged by an experienced handler, not a sanctioned AKC judge. The winner doesn't receive any championship points, and most matches specify that pointed dogs are not permitted to enter.
- Sanctioned -- means that the match/show is approved by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and is following AKC rules
- Temperament Test -- a series of exercises used to determine a dog's soundness. This is a new one for our club (long story for another post). We've got a senior evaluator with the German Shepherd Dog Club of America coming in from Virginia to administer the test. I'll go over that in detail in another post as well. The rules are here in case you want to read ahead.
- Futurity/Maturity -- a special contest for breeders. Breeders bet that their puppies will be winners before they are whelped (born). They "nominate" the litters and pay a fee. At futurity/maturity shows the winners get the pot. This is one of the few times an exhibitor actually wins money at a dog show.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Thoughtless Thursday
Don't be fooled by the adorable face. This guy can be a real thoughtless jerk. Thursdays are my day off, the only day where I can sleep past dawn . . . . in theory. More often than not, Jedi is up at 5 AM and in my face. I'll let him out to pee and then try to go back to sleep. No such luck. He'll jump on the bed and chew some phantom itch, shaking the whole bed in the process. I'll throw him off. Then he'll decide to groom his nether regions, slurping loud enough to wake the dead. I'll grunt, he'll whine and eventually I wake up with a few choice words. [Random thought: if I call my dog a "son of a bitch" am I technically swearing? Or am I just stating the obvious?] Anyway, by the time I'm drinking my first cup of coffee, this is what I see:
Yeah, he's sound asleep and snoring! I'm wide awake. See? S.O.B. -- K
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Wordless Wednesday
Who needs to speak when your shirt says it all?
Jedi and I at training class. |
Can't read it? Here is a better picture from the internet.
Like the shirt? You can get one for yourself from the Animal Rescue Site. Not only will you make a statement, but your purchase buys food for shelter animals as well. How cool is that?
And don't forget: This is a blog hop. Check out the other pet bloggers below and see what they're up to. -- K
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Sepia Speed
Squirrel! |
I need a better camera! I've been trying to get pictures of Jedi in motion but he's too fast for my little Nikon Coolpix. (Maybe I should find the instruction book.) Here he's shooting out from a dead stop. Look at that extension!
Anyway, It's Sepia Saturday! Hop around and see what others are doing today. -- K