NEWFOUNDLAND CLUB OF AMERICA, INC.
At 8:26 p.m. the meeting was called to order: “I am Beverly Eichel, President of the Newfoundland Club of America, and it is my distinct pleasure and personal honor to welcome you to our Annual Membership Meeting. Mr. Secretary, do we have a quorum?
Then, let the record show that, with a quorum having been declared, this is an official meeting of the membership of the Newfoundland Club of America.
Each year as I have
attended this gathering, the thought occurs to me, and especially this year,
that all of the attendees of this meeting are very special. This is a trying
time for our nation. On September 11, our very foundation of freedom sustained a
jolt, and since that time, travel throughout the world has been stressful. Thus,
all of your efforts to travel to be with us this week is especially appreciated.
Now, we all know that the Newfoundland is the greatest dog in the world. Perhaps
all of the world governments should take note that the simple common denominator
of one breed of dog can bring together so many people from all over the world in
peace and love. Our International visitors are guests of our country, but they
are not guests at this meeting, as they are members of the Newfoundland Club of
America. But, I'm impressed with their special effort to attend this year, and I
ask them all to please stand for recognition as I mention your country. We have
visitors this week from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany,
Hungary, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Sweden and the United Kingdom, from England
and Wales. I'm always embarrassed to include our neighbors to the North on a
list of 'international' or foreign countries, as they are not only our neighbors
and friends, but the homeland of our dogs! A special welcome, please, to our
Canadian attendees.
As a reminder, the award of
Honorary Life membership is presented by your Board of Directors as an award of
recognition of long and special service to the NCA. On behalf of the NCA, I
thank you all again.
The true guests of honor for this event are not here this evening ---they are
our dogs! May I ask for applause to honor our Newfoundlands waiting patiently in
their crates for dinner or attention? And to all of the rest of you in this
room, lastly, for all the love and devotion you show, I invite you all to a
round of applause to yourselves for the effort and energy you have placed in
just being here this week and tonight.
I want to introduce your Board and Officers to
you. Tonight, two members of the Board retire, myself and Steve McAdams. Steve
is unable to be with us, but his efforts have been greatly appreciated.
Would you all please stand as I call your name and remain standing. Your 1st VP
is Dr. Clyde Dunphy. Your 2nd VP is Sandee Lovett. Your Treasurer is Mary L.
Price. Your Recording Secretary is Tom Broderick. Your Corresponding Secretary
is Robin Seaman. Your current Board Members are Roger Frey, Joan Gunn, Aura Dean
and Mary Lou Cuddy. Dr. Roger Powell, also a member of our Board, was here
earlier in the week, but professional obligations required him to leave. He left
a message for you all:
To Members of NCA from Roger Powell
“I regret that I cannot join you for this Annual Meeting of NCA. Unfortunately, a pair of seminars at my university, North Carolina State University, for which I have responsibility, were rescheduled for today and tomorrow, April 25 and 26, due to events of September 11, 2001. My special regret is that, as your Board Member, I miss this opportunity to interact directly with other NCA members regarding your important concerns. Please contact me directly with your ideas, concerns and interests. I want to know what is important to you. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Our AKC Delegate is Mary W.
Price. Assuming a seat on the Board following this meeting will be Jack Dean and
Dr. Debra Wigal.
The NCA Board wants to take a special moment here to recognize the behind the scenes workers - our committee chairs and members who deserve recognition. Please, as I call your name, stand and remain standing so that we can all appreciate the numbers of people who volunteer their time for the NCA.
AKC Breeder Referral National Specialty Newf Tide Policy
Johanna Davis, Chair Henry Jurczyk, Chair Aura Dean, Chair
Jack Witt Glen Malchow
AKC Legislative Liaison Lori Littleford Ken Wildman
Gail Wettstein, Chair Joan Gunn Maredith Reggie
Ingrid Lyden David VanCouvering
Arbitration Lee Ann Hughes Jan Boggio
Ken Price, Chair Brenda Matheny Beth Sell
Barbara Jenness Kathy Stavish Dawn Fretts
Nancy Aliff Peggy Helming Jack Dean
Rebecca Gertz
Finance Nominating Marie Acosta
Frank Winnert, Chair Lynda Stierle,Chair Rhoda Hartmann
Mark Aliff JoAnn Wucherer David Hartmann
Ken Price Linda Morley-Roser Ingrid Lyden
Scott Westphal Bob Ohle Pamela Newsom
Sandy Gabel Brenda Santiago Bonnie Urban
Helen Mancuso Pamela van Giessen
Mary L. Price Steve McAdam, Chair Jeannette Voss
Jean Quandt Marylou Zimmerman
Judges’ Education Dwight Summers Susan Mendleson
Betty McDonnell, Chair Susan Wagner Todd Bennett
Ingrid Lyden Tracey Warncke
Fran Dibble Johanna Davis (alt) Working Dog
Kathy Griffin Cheryl Dondino, Chair
Peggy Helming Research Advisory Steve Barkas
Carol Winnert Cherrie Brown, Chair Jacqueline Brellochs
Sue Jones Rebecca Stanevich Gabrielle Cohen
Margaret Willmott Allan Robins Joyce Echon-Butler
Steve McAdams Tamzin Rosenwasser Jocelyn Hawley
Mary W. Price Edith Markoff Barbara Jenness
Jo-Ann Riley Sharon Gwaltney-Brandt Sandee Lovett
Robin Seaman Sue Marino
Dwight Gorsuch
Cindy White
Carol Winnert
Roger Powell, Chair Rebecca Stanevich, Chair Mary L. Price, Chair
Clyde Dunphy Shirley Ketchmore Cherilyn Antin
Tom Broderick Joyce Ryan Mary Ann Barnhill
Barbara Jenness Debbie Berg
Mary Lou Cuddy Patti McDowell Tracy Carton
Jennifer Zablotny Pat Drew
Reg. Spec. Show Coord. Dan Carr Clyde & Cathy Dunphy
Tom Broderick Margot Duval
Historian Debbie Fitton
David Helming Sue Miller John & Teresa Gedritis
Clyde Dunphy Jackie Goetz
Juniors Jean Hain
Ingrid Lyden, Chair Jean McAdams Dee Holland
Mary Lou Cuddy Dana Hubacek
Dawn Fretts Membership Sylvia Jones
Mary Galdauskas Bob Rogers, Chair Glen Malchow
Edie Koster Mary W. Price Debbie Manning
Jenni Lott Mary L. Price Jenny Martens
Helen Mancuso Nan Martin
Bill Matlock NCA Policy Manual Larry Medsker
Pam Mohr Joan Gunn, Chair Sue Miller
Lanelle Warrick Carole Moores
Newf. Health Challenge Les Morris
Candace McMahon, Chair Mary Jane Spackman Co-Chair Pat Owens
Consie Powell Chris Pulver
Barbara Frey, Chair Obedience Kathy Reed
Carolyn T. Kuhn Lanelle Warrick, former Chair Lynn Reinhardt
Chris Rakyta Barbara Hearn, new Chair Lynne Rutenberg
Walt Kuhn Kristin Sennhenn
Ivan Rakyta Publicity Janey Shaddrick
Mary Lou Cuddy, Chair Anne Snowden
Dawn Fretts, Chair Daniel Beegun Trudy Stroupe
Joanne Forsythe Bonnie Urban
May Bernhard, Chair Kymythy Schultz Annamarie Yurvati
Mary Dewey Sue Zientara
Jack Dean, Chair Claire Carr Donna Zink
Ann Marie Thibault, Chair Kathy Hamilton, Chair
Mary Lou Cuddy
Tracy Warncke Versatile Newfoundland
Jennifer Zablotny Jacqueline Brellochs, Chair
Joanne Peterson
Aura Dean
Sandee Lovett
Kathy Paxton (CNC) Prevention
Karen Kassy (CRNC) Roger Frey, Chair
Patrick Ramirez (CRNC) Patti McDowell
Sue Auger (GRNC) Ray Donner
Jennifer Zablotny (GLNC) Pat Woodfin
Bobbi Walker (HANC) Ann Marie Thibault
Cathy Sands (HCNC) Pat Randall
Diane Redpath (MNC) Lori Littleford
Lea Johnson (NPDNC) Candace McMahon
Candance McMahon (NCF) Jennifer Zablotny
Ellen Katz (NCNE) Tracy Warncke
Cathy Derench (NCNE)
Nancy Byrnes (NCNCal) Health Class
Sharon Gilbert (NCSD) Lori Littleford
Karen Turnquist (NCS)
Denise Hatakeyama (NCSC) Health ROM
Lonnie Specht (NFNC) Tamzin Rosenwasser
Mary L. Price (NoCNC)
Jan Rixman (NNC) AKC Delegate
Nancy Varnum (OWNC) Mary W. Price
Caron Da Silva (PNNC)
Joyce Butler (PONC)
Ray Donner (RKNC)
Jeff Main (SCNC)
Clyde Dunphy, Chair
Frank Winnert
Mary L. Price
David Helming
Ron Pemberton, Chair
Roger Frey
Mary Dewey
Diana Sellers
Bob Quandt
Jean Quandt
Ron Pemberton, Chair
Diana Sellers
Clyde Dunphy
Clyde Dunphy, Chair
Dawn Fretts
Bob Rogers
We will now proceed with the agenda as printed and
distributed. If you did not receive a copy, I believe there may be extras up
front.
Each year the NCA seeks nominations for the Good Sportsmanship Award. This award
reflects members who have made exceptional contributions to the sport of dogs,
competes fairly and works for the advancement of the sport and the NCA without
regard to personal honors. With just one award available for a club as large as
ours, this is indeed a distinguished honor. This year's award was presented to
Mary Dewey in honor of her contribution to the NCA and the sport of dogs.
Steve Britton was appointed to serve as the Parliamentarian for the meeting. Candace McMahon moved that we conduct the meeting according to Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Order. The motion was seconded by Jim Manning and passed unanimously.
Darlene Stever made a motion to approve the minutes of last year’s Annual Meeting as published in the 3rd Quarter Issue of Newf Tide, 2001. The motion was seconded by Jim Manning and passed unanimously.
President’s Report: (Beverly Eichel)
As President, I will give the first officer's report. At first, I thought I might defer it to the end of the meeting; under the circumstances, however, after thinking about it, I realized that none of you would stay! So, while you are still a captive audience, you will have to listen! First I thought I'd give you the Top 10 reasons why I would rather give my speech to all the dogs instead of you people:
(1) Dogs always seem glad
to see you.
(2) There is no pretense about a dog's greeting. They just come right up
to you and make friends! They communicate friendly little noises, but never
give you a long line of guff.
(3) Dogs show the same affectionate attention to everyone. They're
demonstrative without being pushy.
(4) Dogs messages are simple: We like you . We like being here. We'll
help you in any way wecan.
(5) Dogs have no hidden agendas.
(6) Dogs’ body language is telegraphic!
(7) Dogs don't tell bad jokes, they don't monotone endlessly about
themselves, and they're not bad speakers.
(8) Dogs have a great sense of knowing when they're no longer the center
of attention. They just go someplace and lie down.
(9) Dogs know who they are and have endearing personalities.
(10) And last dogs are always good friends. They don't come in, put on
a show and then leave. They'll stay with you as long as you need them.
As President, I am entitled
to take credit for all legislation passed while I was in office and I fully
intend to exercise that right. I have had a productive tenure.
Since elected as President,
the Board of Directors of the NCA has:
Other than routine duties of the Board, which for the uninitiated are, believe
me, are very time-consuming, such as maintaining a budget of ¼ million dollars,
ensuring funding for Uniform Trophies, approval of every committee's budget,
governing of regional clubs, i.e. their constitution & by-laws, contracts for
Newf-Tide, etc., my Board has:
(1) Of course continued the work previously started, such as the Steering
Committee which is the stepping stone for all future decisions of the NCA. Not
counting decisions reached and actions taken held over from the previous Board,
our new decisions;
(2) Moved into the 21st century by establishing the official use of e-mail for
Board communications and instituted monthly teleconferences; and we
(3) Set a world-record time in approving new general education brochures, flyers
and posters;
(4) We removed all fees for draft and water events for Regional Clubs;
(5) We directed a clarification for all AKC judges regarding grooming issues
which will appear in the AKC judges newsletter;
(6) Your Board proactively brought up issues to AKC regarding their financial and moral support of large volume kennels. This was done in response to AKC's published position in opposition to purchase of dogs at auction and their reluctance to strengthen current registration policies (as in requiring all signatures of all co-owners on all AKC transactions). As an aside, we have received much support from other Parent Clubs for our brave action. In a recent report, the AKC Chairman invited innovative ideas. We certainly gave them innovation.
(7) We have reinforced the present Rescue Policy and reinforced the importance
of proaction to actually prevent Newfoundlands ending up in need of Rescue.
(8) We reinstated the Newfoundland Club of Hawaii;
(9) We put our money where our hearts are regarding encouraging the sharing of
health data as public information by funding the registration through OFA of
cardiac and cystinuria test results.
(10) We established ad-hoc committees to study the feasibility of a health class
at nationals and regionals (like our working dog class for conformation
competition); study the feasibility of a Health ROM or Award; and a Breeders
Education Committee.
(11) We participated in Meet the Breeds at the inaugural AKC Eukanuba Classic.
(12) And we did formally communicate to the AKC our support which resulted in
the Newfoundland being included in a regulation change for Agility Trials
targeted at large and giant breeds.
(13) Our Newfoundland Charitable Trust approved funding recommended by the
Research Advisory Committee for studies of Diet Related Taurine Deficiency &
Associated Cardiac Insufficiency; donated funding for linkage analysis of
familial sub-aortic stenosis and a study of heritable & sporadic genetic lesions
in canine lymphoma.
(14) Your Board donated $1,000 to the AKC fund established after the September
11 tragedy.
(15) And, we have hopefully placed more emphasis on Versatility Newfs.
During my tenure as an officer of the NCA, I am also proud that we were able to
have our governing document, the constitution and by-laws, finally approved by
AKC; and I am most proud that we have been able to protect the purebred status
of our stud book with the AKC. Our tax status as a non-profit organization has
also been confirmed by the IRS.
The last project with which
I was personally associated was establishing a Newfoundland Archive w/AKC. We
were recently very honored to receive a momentous donation to the N CA archives
from Mary Dewey, which received an immediate happy and grateful acknowledgment
from the AKC that I have shared with her.
Mary Dewey is responsible
for having provided the last light in the tunnel of darkness that has prevailed
in my heart since February 2. I received from her a special package of
memorabilia from her mother's collection as a donation to the AKC Archives of
the NCA. I am unbelievably touched by the trust she exhibited in this donation.
And before I continue with my President's Report, I'd like to play a little
game. Does anyone here know the birthdate of the Newfoundland Club of America?
Amongst the package of
memorabilia Mary Dewey donated, I found the
following momentous facts:
The NCA was founded on February 21, 1930. So write that date down it is our
birthday!
The club met for 12 consecutive years and suspended annual meetings for 1942,
1943, 1944 and 1945 due to World War II. The annual meetings began again in 1946
and have been held annually ever since.
Ladies and Gentlemen, that means that tonight's meeting is the 68th Annual
Meeting of the NCA, and I would recommend that tonight’s minutes record that
number for posterity and further recommend that any future minutes of Annual
Meetings follow suit by indicating the appropriate consecutive number.
From the records received, the first specialty was held in 1940 and there were
also specialties in 1948 and 1950.
The meeting of February 12, 1948 recommended that a committee be appointed to
write a standard for the breed. And the Treasurer's Report that night reported
the impressive balance of....One Hundred Sixty Five Dollars and 24 cents.
Show records of all Newfoundlands were included for the years 1946 and 1947 and
the top dog for both those years was Waseeka's Square Rigger who had 18 best of
breeds in 1946 and 15 in 1947, both years with several group placements.
The predecessor to Newf Tide was simply typed sheets labeled "Bulletin".
The following quote is as timely today as when it was originally written by
Elizabeth Loring, NCA Secretary, March 1930. "I wonder why the Landseers are
not more popular in this country. In England, they are considered most
desirable.’ Can it be that many of the judges are not sufficiently familiar with
the type? 72 years and we hear the same comments today, don't we?
Of personal significance to me was a note that the Honorable Harold McPherson
judged "the New York Show now known as Westminster" in February, 1930. He had an
entry of 18 Newfs! His Honor was my first father in law's next door neighbor and
why I am 'into' Newfs today!
Several articles which had been translated from German into English were
included and reference was made to the "Top 5" Newfoundlands in the world with
the largest being: AMCH Midway Black Ledge Sea Raider. Any mathematicians in the
audience may feel free to correct me, but he weighed 71 kg which I believe
converts into 156 ½ lbs. He is described further as 74 cm across the withers,
which I surely hope was a reference to his height at the withers, which converts
into 28.86 inches. A good sized Newfoundland dog!
Lastly, President Beatrice Godsol noted in her President's Letter of April 5,
1951 that she was so proud that NCA had no politics or political factions within
the club.
How times have changed! Tonight is my farewell to duty both as President and a
member of the Board of Directors. I have served the Board for over 10 years and
have really only been a Director for two weeks of that time having been drafted
as an officer immediately upon taking my seat. I have been an officer ever
since. My career with NCA began as a mere volunteer typing the Breeders List.
And, let that be a lesson to you, volunteering to do just a simple job can
really get you in deeper than you ever imagined!
On one hand, I am very sad that I was not re-elected to the Board. However, all
of us reach the time when retirement is not a bad thing! I do know why I was not
re-elected and a recent episode of West Wing would have been most helpful to me
had it been broadcast before I decided to dive into an internet list! Hindsight
is 20-20, as they say, and knowing then what I know now, I just don't know if
anything would have been different. The NCA and one of its long-time and loyal
officers was being verbally attacked on the internet and I just couldn't keep my
mouth shut! The mothering instinct in me is, I guess, too strong. I tried to
defend the NCA as I could not stand by and let an unprovoked and undeserved
attack go unanswered. I was misinterpreted, misquoted and very, very
misunderstood. Too late now for sure. But, I can promise you, you won't see me
on any internet lists again!
All of us should remember that every position of the NCA from committee member
to officer are volunteers. There are no thanks, public or private, for what we
do. And we do what we do, not because of personal agendas, but for one simple
reason --- we love the Newfoundland dog. To serve the Newfoundland, we must be
active in its parent club. I have another breed, Australian Shepherds, but I
don't even belong to their parent club. My energy has, and always will be,
directed for the Newfoundland. It's easy for outsiders to be critical when they
haven't walked in our shoes. When you're not working for the club, you have
plenty of time to criticize! But, I do know one important fact, and that is, in
the battle between lies and truth , truth will always be the winner. To those of
you who know me, you know the truth. I caution you all to be sure that you
separate personal opinion over the internet or otherwise from the truth. Your
official minutes of the Board are published in Newf Tide. Your Board has
always had an open door; if you are in doubt, call any one of the Board and ask!
I urge all Regional Clubs, for whom I have served as a loyal advocate, to step
up to the plate. Nominate candidates for your Board and support them. Support
all candidates who have served the NCA.
I have gained much during my association with and for the Newfoundland dog.
Through my Regional Club, the Southeastern, and the Newfoundland Club of
America, I have gained lifetime friends. For these friendships, I am the most
grateful. This ain't the Oscars, so I'm not going to give a list (I might
forget someone!) But, you all know who you are and I love you.
Thus, after over 20 years of service to NCA, I retire into an emeritus status.
And as I said earlier tonight, now that I'm not the "center of attention", I do
intend to go somewhere, but I can't promise I'll lie down. To the Board of
Directors who sit with me tonight, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the
support you have given me over the years, during my term as President and
especially during these last few, stressful and very trying months. To the
members of the Newfoundland Club of America, I express my deep gratitude for
allowing me to serve you for all these years.
It is, after all, better to have served and lost than never to have served at
all.
Thank you ALL for the memories.
Dr. Dunphy will now give
the 1st VP's Report."
1st Vice President Report: (Clyde Dunphy)
The Board has presented plaques to Beverly Eichel and Steve McAdams for their years of service on the NCA Board. The Ad Hoc Database Committee (Dawn Fretts, Bob Rogers and Clyde Dunphy) announced that in the near future, the NCA will have a new database program. This database will have all the information such as pedigrees, health information and ROM information etc. The software will be user friendly.
The Ad Hoc Trust Committee (Dave Helming, Mary L. Price, Clyde Dunphy) was set up to handle the day to day management of the Trust and distribution of funds of the NCA Health Challenge, the NCA Rescue Fund, and the NCA Scholarship Fund. The committee is planning a Newfoundland Trust Advisory Board that will handle the day to day distribution of funds. There will be a report in Newf Tide.
The Steering Committee (Roger Powell, Tom Broderick, Clyde Dunphy) is a committee that will suggest short and long range ideas for Board consideration. The committee always welcomes ideas. We are in excellent shape and we are making positive changes.
2nd Vice President Report: (Sandee Lovett)
Sandee thanked the many volunteers who work on our committees behind the scenes. The Committee Reports are published in Newf Tide, and when reading them, you will be able to appreciate them and the accomplishments over the year.
Corresponding Secretary Report: (Robin Seaman)
Robin thanked the
membership of the NCA and the Board for giving her the pleasure of being the
Corresponding Secretary. All correspondence, from AKC, to breeder's lists and
just basic inquiries has all been answered in a timely manner. Unlike the
monumental job of the Recording Secretary, this job is a breeze and a joy to
perform.
Recording Secretary Report: (Tom Broderick)
Since the last annual meeting held at the 2001 National Specialty in Michigan, the Board held six teleconferences, one mail meeting, a three-day face to face meeting that was held in early December 2001 and we also met this past Tuesday. Another major task of the Recording Secretary was the election.
Tom thanked the Board for allowing him the opportunity to serve the membership as Recording Secretary this past year. He also expressed a special thank you to Sandee Lovett and Aura Dean for their guidance and support.
Treasurer Report: (Mary L. Price)
Mary Price reported the following cash balances and reminded the members that copies of this report are available at the meeting.
|
NCA Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Checking Account |
3,039.88 |
|
|
Savings Account |
3,576.12 |
|
|
CDs |
200,000.00 |
|
|
|
206,616.00 |
206,616.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
"Distinguished Member" Restoration |
|
|
|
Money Market Account |
1,653.72 |
|
|
CD |
1,521.53 |
|
|
|
3,175.25 |
3,175.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
Uniform Trophy Fund |
|
|
|
Money Market Account |
|
1,470.23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
211,261.48 |
|
|
|
|
NCA Charitable Trust
|
NCA Health Challenge |
|
|
|
Checking Account |
1,807.09 |
|
|
Money Market Account |
2,027.47 |
|
|
CDs |
109,206.28 |
|
|
|
113,040.84 |
113,040.84 |
|
|
|
|
|
NCA Rescue Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Checking Account |
-16,737.02 |
|
|
Savings Account |
5,552.19 |
|
|
CDs |
10,074.94 |
|
|
|
-1,109.89 |
-1,109.89 |
|
|
|
|
|
NCA Scholarship Fund |
|
|
|
Money Market Account |
4,961.36 |
|
|
CDs |
3,569.08 |
|
|
|
8,530.44 |
8,530.44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,461.39 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Treasurer further reported that the financial statements for the fiscal year, which ends on June 30th, will be distributed to the membership in the 3rd Quarter issue of Newf Tide.
Mary also stated that NCA’s tax attorney, Edmund Sledzik, guided the Newfoundland Club of America, Inc. through the process to change its IRS exemption status from a 501(c)7 not-for-profit organization to a 501(c) (4) not-for-profit organization which further protects interest income from possible taxation.
As Rescue Chair, Mary L. Price reported information regarding the purchase of six adult Newfoundlands and two litters of newborn puppies at a recent dog auction in Missouri. Mary L. Price described the deplorable conditions of these dogs including one with maggots under its coat. All were filthy and matted to the skin. Several members asked questions regarding this action, and Mary provided additional information in response.
Mary explained the
procedures and policies used when Newfoundlands are consigned for sale at dog
auctions. The NCA Rescue Committee was within Rescue Policy and received a Board
majority to continue with the April 13, 2002 auction. All available information
was forwarded to the Board prior to the auction and on April 8, 2002, the NCA
Board approved Rescue's actions to attempt to obtain these Newfoundlands. There
were actually two sellers of the Newfs - Janet Connor and Theresa Hancock. Both
sellers attested to the auctioneer that they were culling all of their
Newfoundland breeding stock. Rescue obtained 6 adult Newfoundlands, 5 females
and 1 male, and 2 newborn litters of Newfoundland puppies - 1 litter of two and
1 litter of nine -total = $ 26,300.00. When the auctioneer processed this sale
that was charged to Mary Price's personal credit cards an unadvertised 5% buyers
fee was added by the auctioneer. The total charged was $ 27,615.00.
The purchase price per dog, without the five percent charge, is as follows:
1 black female born 7/17/01
- $ 2,150
1 white and black female born 2/1/01 - $ 3,200
1 black female born 11/14/99, with nine newborn puppies - $ 6,600
1 black female born 11/14/99, with two newborn puppies - $ 4,000
1 black female born 3/29/99 - $ 3,850
1 white and black male born 12/1/99-$6,500
.
The President did brief the
membership on the background leading to the AKC letter sent by the Board. The
NCA Board, along with several all-breed clubs, had recommended to AKC that
signatures be required by all owners/co-owners on all registration documents. In
response to that suggestion, AKC replied they were in the process of reviewing
all registration policies. Then, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America became
involved in their very first dog auction. That club, having no idea their breed
would ever be sold at an auction, had no specific funds for such an event and
ended up depleting their entire club’s treasury. That occurrence prompted Bob
Slay, Vice President of the AKC to send a letter to all parent clubs
“recommending” that no further purchases take place by any club at such an
auction.
The President continued by
describing a company known as The Hunte Corporation who appears to be the
largest dog dealer in the USA. They supply the majority of puppies
sold to pet stores, and in fact, are listed as owners of many of the dog farms
that supply these puppies. Each year The Hunte Corporation sponsors a big
meeting of all their suppliers and retailers. This year, the AKC was advertised
as participating. In fact, Bob Slay was
scheduled to speak at their function. However, because such an out-cry occurred,
his appearance was cancelled. Many feel that the decision to urge no future
purchases
at auction was prompted by The Hunte Corporation’s pressure on the AKC, as,
after all, they generate a lot of revenue for registration fees. All of these
tied together prompted the NCA Board to write to the AKC. The Board has received
communications from several other
parent clubs expressing their support of our ‘brave’ effort.
On the other side, the NCA Rescue Committee was within Rescue Policy and the majority of the Board agreed to continue with the purchase of these Newfoundlands. Steve McAdams and Robin Seaman disagreed with the purchase. Mary stated that she could not reach either Tom Broderick or Aura Dean.
Frank Winnert commented from the floor that the AKC is not interested in the conditions that these unfortunate Newfoundlands live, because if you go to an auction it would make you sick to your stomach to see how those Newfoundlands are being cared for. He personally donated the amount of the deficit to replenish the Rescue Fund.
There was a request from the floor that the microphone be used by whomever was speaking. The Chair, Beverly Eichel, said we had no microphones on the floor as we usually had. Beverly ruled that members would not be allowed to use the podium microphone. During this time, there were statements from the membership asking what good is it to let members speak when the membership cannot hear them? Jack Dean moved to appeal the ruling of the Chair. John Flowers seconded the motion. The motion carried. The podium was then moved to the center of the room so that others could reach the microphone.
Clyde Dunphy reported that when the Charitable Trust met on Tuesday, April 23rd, it discussed rescue under new business. The Board discussed this issue in 1999 in St Louis. Both sides were discussed whether we should continue with the current rescue policy or change the policy regarding purchasing Newfoundland dogs at auction. At that time, the policy was not changed. At the Board’s face to face meeting on Tuesday April 23, 2002, it was discussed that the Board have a two or three page article written with a pro and con side of this issue. It will then be sent out to the entire membership. NCA members can say yes or no and write their comments to the Board.
Patti McDowell added that, additionally, we should place a moratorium on the purchase of Newfoundlands in the future until this topic is settled.
Jean McAdams moved and Barbara Thompson seconded to require all dollars in the Rescue Fund be spent solely on rescue activity and no monies shall be spent for the purchase of Newfoundland dogs from auctions, brokers, individuals, retailers or wholesale sellers. Steve Britton (parliamentarian) said that this motion was out of order. This should be brought up under new business. Jack Dean asked if we could suspen