The Mason-Dixon Line
The Official Newsletter of the MDGSP Club
Mason-Dixon GSP Club Web Site: www.mdgspclub.com
March 2010
Upcoming Mason-Dixon German Shorthaired Pointer Club Events at a Glance
MDGSP Horseback Field Trial: 17 – 18 April 2010
MDGSP Club Summer Picnic 13 June 2010
MONTHLY FEATURES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mason Dixon GSP Club Summer Picnic.
Attention all Members! It's that time of year again, when the club will host the Mason Dixon GSP Club Summer Picnic. The picnic will be held on Sunday, June 13, 2010 at the Patton's Turf Farm located at 24438 River Road, Dickerson, MD.
1100 AM Board Meeting
At Noon, the Club will provide Crabs, Fried Chicken and soda. Members are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert to share. And if you have a beverage of choice you may want to include that also. Members are welcome to invite family and friends, for a fee of $10 per person. To liven things up-don't forget your dogs!!! RSVP by Saturday, June 5th 2010 to Thanks,Chad Gordon
Member’s Question Answered Here.
How do you go about getting a Therapy Dog Title? Is it from AKC? Does it qualify as a Title toward the Versatility Title?
AKC doesn't have anything to do with therapy dogs, but maybe they should. Anyway there are national organizations like Therapy Dogs International and Delta Society that you can get certified with, or there are also local organizations. One example is a local organization in Texas, Therapy Pet Pals of Texas. You can look on the Internet and find organizations near you. You then go through and evaluation and they are all pretty much the same. The evaluation is very similar to what it takes to get a Canine Good Citizen (CGC), plus being able to deal with medical equipment and the behavior of people with disabilities, autism, etc. The medical equipment is usually wheelchairs, crutches, etc. A Google search would find therapy dog organizations in your area, and then you can talk to several until you find one that is a fit for you and your dog. Therapy Dog is incredibly rewarding and the dogs absolutely love the work
MDGSP Member Nominated for GSPCA Director, Southeastern Region
Dear GSPCA Member
I am honored to have been nominated by GSPCA members for the position of Director, Southeastern Region. I am writing to introduce myself (my ‘bio’ appears below this letter) and explain what I hope to achieve as your representative on the GSPCA Board of Directors.
With no GSP Specialty clubs active in at least four states in our region, I believe many GSPCA members feel they do not have a ‘voice’ with parent club issues. Additionally, the number of Shorthairs registered with AKC continues to increase year over year; the growth in GSPCA membership, including member clubs, is not keeping pace. I want to listen to you, find out what you want and need from the Parent Club, and work with member clubs and the Board to improve the value of GSPCA membership.
As with any organization, the people who volunteer for leadership roles are usually assertive, often passionate, and outspoken. But passion and commitment are not enough: it’s extremely important that Board members have the ability to balance their responsibilities, representing the varied interests of the members they serve while working collaboratively to preserve and advance the overall purpose of the Club.
In my experience, here’s what it take to be an effective GSPCA Board member:
§ A commitment to fiscal responsibility so the Club will have the continued resources to sponsor conformation, field, performance and other educational events and activities for the benefit of the breed and the members. It sometimes requires difficult decisions to fairly allocate limited resources.
§ A commitment to protecting the rights of responsible breeders and owners to breed, own, and hunt our dogs. Increasingly the Board will need to focus on actions to counter anti-dog and anti-hunting legislation.
§ A respect for the Constitution and By-Laws, and the willingness to effect changes reflecting the will of the membership through a formal and transparent process.
§ The ability to consider the benefit and sustainability of the Club above one’s personal interests and preferences, and to suspend interpersonal conflicts or loyalties in order to consider each issue before the Board on its merits.
I believe my experience, both professional and with the GSPCA, qualifies me to effectively represent you as your Director, and I ask for your support. I encourage you to contact me (or any other candidate) with questions. Most important, please exercise your right to vote in the 2010 GSPCA election! Thank you.
Beth Ritchie
Robaron Shorthairs
2711 Judes Ferry Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139
804-897-2367
Bio: Elizabeth (Beth) M. Ritchie. Candidate for Southeastern Director, 2010
I am honored to accept a nomination as Southeastern Director, GSPCA 2010. After many years with Irish Setters as companions, my husband (Bob) and I acquired our first GSP from Canada in 1988. Thus began a love affair with the Shorthair that’s still going strong. Our first litter in 1991 produced three conformation champions including Am/Can Ch. Robaron Hans Ulrich V Greif (Rick), who was BOS at Westminster KC in 1994. Breeding selectively for structure, temperament and versatility, we have produced many conformation champions, agility and hunt titled dogs, and devoted family companions. Time constraints have limited our involvement if field events, but I am very committed to maintaining the integrity of purpose for our breed and encouraging pursuit of the Dual Championship.
We have been members of the GSPCA for more than 15 years, and members of various all breed and/or local specialty clubs wherever we have lived. When we relocated from NH to NC in 1995, we started the GSP Club of Central Carolina where I served as Treasurer for 2 years. I also served on the Board of the GSP Club of Indiana and currently am a Board member and Vendor Chair for the Virginia Kennel Club and a charter member of the Central Virginia Agility Club.
I hold a graduate degree in Human Resources Management. After an early career in law enforcement, I moved to a corporate environment; for the past 20 years, I have worked in Strategic Sourcing for several Fortune 500 companies. Bob has just completed his provisional assignments as an AKC judge for the GSP. My career has taken us to North Carolina, Indiana, and Central Virginia, where we’ve lived since 2002. In my current position as Director, Strategic Sourcing & Risk Management for Owens & Minor, I work collaboratively with external and internal stakeholders around the country. My role involves significant contract work, analysis, project management and change management, requiring strong communication, leadership and facilitation skills.
I have served as Vice President, GSPCA since June 2007 when I was honored to accept an appointment to fill an unexpired term; I was subsequently elected by the membership for the 2008-10 term. I am currently Board Liaison to the National Specialty, Versatility and Membership Committees, and to the Journal and Yearbook. During my tenure, we conducted a successful request for proposal for an editor for the Journal; as a result, we have seen the Journal return to a timely and informative publication, and reverse the economic loss trend. In 2010, we will see the Yearbook publish a 3-yrear ‘catch-up’ edition.
Much as I have enjoyed my participation on the Board, the role of Vice President has no specific responsibilities. I believe my talents and experience will better serve the members (and prospective members) of the Southeastern Region. I have no personal agenda beyond a real concern that membership in the GSPCA, and the formation of local specialty clubs, lags significantly behind the AKC registration of Shorthairs, raising a concern that the Board must find new ways to attract and support GSP owners and enthusiasts. I’m committed to maintaining and advancing the German Shorthaired Pointer as an all-purpose gun dog, an intelligent and versatile canine athlete, and a loving and loyal family companion. I’m vigorously opposed to legislation that restricts the rights of the responsible breeder and/or pet owner, or prohibits the responsible hunter from pursuing the sport on public or private grounds. I practice, support and encourage genetic testing to continuously improve the health and longevity of our wonderful breed. I’m confident that my education, training and experience – both professional and in the sport of dogs – allows me to advance and address issues raised by the membership in an objective and equitable manner. I will strive to contribute to the continued growth, integrity and financial health of the parent Club while representing the Clubs and members in the Southeastern Region.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
In accordance with the by-laws, a nominating committee was appointed to find candidates for the 5 vacancies occurring this year. Following is a list of those positions and the individuals nominated as candidates.
Vice President- Chad Gordon
Treasurer- Ken Huyser
Field Trial Chair- open
Membership Chair- Carolyn Felter
Rescue Chair- Robert Loew
If any member would like to nominate an individual for one of the above positions, please contact John Warren, Secretary, at or 301 792-2555.
BUILDING the PAVILION WALL
On March 13 at 8:00 a.m. a band of brothers (and one sister) met at McKee-Beshers in the middle of a ‘northeaster’ to build a knee wall around the 3 open sides of the pavilion. After a great deal of discussion, a plan was devised, jobs assigned and work commenced. By 3:00 p.m. the work was basically done, with the exception of painting the inside. Now spectators are shielded from the worst of the wind and rain. Come on out and take a look. The combatants were Jim Birdsall, James Birdsall, Julie Birdsall, Pat Dady, Jim Felter, Dave Jordan, Rob Loew, John Naughton, Jeff Lagasse, Carroll Waltemeyer and John Warren. Thanks to all!
Officer and Chair Reports
Mason-Dixon GSP Club’s Specialty Shows
Show Chairman Mason-Dixon GSPC and AKC Delegate–Dee Stelmach
Mason-Dixon GSP Club Spring Training Day, Training Day Coordinator – John Warren, (301) 349-4846,
We held this Spring’s Training Day at Lake Sycamore Landing. Rain was falling, mud and water were everywhere you walked, and the creek was within 50 feet of the pavilion, and oh, by the way, the event was a huge success.
There were over 25 people in attendance, and 20 dogs were involved in some type of training. John Naughton and Shadow provided the crowd with excellent bird finding and pointing demonstrations. Jim Birdsall worked with individual dogs and owners and provided great tips on how to get your dog to steady up on a bird. This was a really great show for those of us waiting our turn in the field. Lannie Seymour had a couple of launchers which he used to keep the birds out of the water and dry so they could fly. Some of the more experienced dogs worked with John Naughton and Julie Birdsall on Chukars while Pat Dady was gunning to get ready for the Senior Tests. Parry Tomlin stayed out in the rain to plant dry birds so everyone had a “flyer.” Dennis Brekhus worked tirelessly with puppies and handlers to introduce them to birds.
Big thanks to Mike Thompson for picking up the birds in Pennsylvania and delivering them to us and staying around to watch the show. And a special thank you to everyone for making it a great day. See you in the Fall.
Mason-Dixon GSP Club’s Spring Hunt Test – March 2010
McKee-Bescher, WMA. Hunt Test Chairperson–John Naughton, 410- 799-4325
The weather was beautiful and warm for our Spring Hunt Test held on March 20-21, 2010, at McKee-Beshers in Seneca, MD. It was great to see so many familiar faces and we enjoyed meeting the many new faces there this year. Thanks to all who participated and we’ll see you in the fall! The improvements made to the pavilion really enhanced the event. The new wall built around the pavilion and the fresh coat of paint made a big difference. Many thanks to all the club members who volunteered their time and efforts during the very rainy previous weekend! It looked great! As always, thanks to Smokin’ Ray and Jennie for cooking up an excellent breakfast and BBQ lunch each day!
There were a total of 48 entries for the weekend. Of those entries, 15 Junior dogs received qualifying scores, as did 8 Senior dogs and 1 Master dog. Congratulations to Don Ebersole’s GSP Triton on his Master ribbon. Lou Casciano’s GSP Grace finished her Senior title on Saturday. Laurie & Randy Cook’s WPG Hattie qualified both days in Senior, as did their WPG Gator, finishing his Senior title on Sunday. We hope to see both Gator and Grace next fall for Masters! Robert & Linda Peterson’s Vizsla Tess finished her Junior title this weekend. Way to go, Tess! Floyd & Beth Bennett traveled a long way with their GSP Hunter for his first hunt test. Hunter received his very first (and second) ribbon at our event! Congrats to all!!
Finally, we would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time to help make the Hunt Test an enjoyable and successful event. Thanks to all who donated at the January meeting to fund the raffle. Thanks to the gunners, marshal, bird planters, raffle coordinator, suppliers, helpers, (and escapee-bird catchers!! - you just had to be there for that one!!), and all who just came to support the event by buying food from Smokin’ Ray, buying raffle tickets and catching up with old friends. The list is too numerous to mention, but thank you all! Well, it’s almost time to start planning the Fall Hunt Test……………………..Don’t miss it!
Lost & Found: Plaid Moose Creek shirt found by John’s truck on Sunday – Call 410-799-4325 to claim
Mason-Dixon GSP Club’s Walking Field Trial
Walking Field Trial Chairperson,Pat Dady, 301-948-2471
Mason-Dixon GSP Club’s Horseback Field Trial - April 17 -18 in Petersburg, DE. Acting Field Trial Chairperson: Queries to Ken Huyser, 301-898-9460
Mason-Dixon GSP Club’s Rescue Report
Rescue Chairperson–Rob Loew 301-972-0868
Rescue sells calendars of GSP Rescued Dogs 'living the new life' as a means to fund the health and care of dogs being rescued and re-homed. The Calendars make great gifts for your GSP friends. The cost is $15 and can be obtained from MDGSPRESCUE.ORG or by calling Rob Loew 301-972-0868.
The economy has not helped the Rescue situation. More and more people are turning in dogs that they can no longer support. Adoptions are not increasing and thus more dogs are being fostered looking for that forever home.
RESCUE needs more people to become foster homes! This last week we were beating the bushes looking for fosters for 6 puppies, (no, only one at a time). If you know someone who would like to do a 'GSP Trial' maybe they are a foster candidate, have them contact Rob at 301-972-0868.