ROCKY MOUNTAIN AKITA CLUB NEWS

ROCKY MOUNTAIN AKITA CLUB NEWS
Volume 1, Issue 1
“Akitas With Altitude”
4th Quarter 2008
CH Samkita’s Handsome Stranger AOM, ROMP
Inside
Inside This Issue
About The Cover…..
Advertising......
Brags & Cries…..
Calendar of Events….
Carting/Therapy…..
CFDC Report….
5
6
5
7
2
4
Delta Society….
Dragon Boat Event…
Litterbox…..
Meeting News….
President’s Message….
Rescue News…..
2
3
5
3
3
5
Newsletter 1
Carting and Therapy Dogs
Unconvential Activities for Akitas – YES WE CAN!!!
RMAC Akitas Certified
In August 2008 Maya Ananda’s two Akitas, CH Cold
Mountain Above The Clouds “Cirrus,” and CH Cold Mountain
Among The Stars “Hoshi,” were certified by the Delta Society
as Therapy Dogs. Cirrus distinguished himself by achieving
certification for “complex” situations. These are situations that
can have unpredictable scenarios; any form of therapy
situation, such as with the developmentally disabled, prison
visits, and those involving many people, so the dog must be
extremely stable.
Hoshi achieved her certification for
“predictable” situations, which will allow her to visit schools,
nursing homes and hospitals, to name a few. Another female
bred by Maya, Journey (owned by Jill Nickerson) will be
evaluated next month for therapy work.
Delta Society Pet Partner
Training Workshops
Where to look for information
Larimer Animal-People Partnership (LAPP) offers Delta
Society Pet Partner Training Workshops occasionally
throughout the year. Workshops are generally one 9-hour day
of training. Registration fees cover training, materials, food
and beverages for the day. If you would like more information
regarding the workshop or evaluations, please see the Delta
Society Website at www.deltasociety.org.
The next workshop is a 2-day workshop scheduled for
November 1-2, 2008. Online registration (and payment) will be
available by the end of September. See the website at
www.colapp.org. Maya has also been participating in carting with Cirrus and
Hoshi, pictured below. Most of these events are organized by
the local Rottweiler and Bernese Mountain Dog clubs. Events
are held on a fairly regular basis. If you would like information
about the next carting event, Maya has contact information. Newsletter 2
September Meeting News
2009 Officers and Board Member Election and other topics of interest
Guest Speaker
The September RMAC meeting was hosted by Richard and
Karen Shaw on September 13, 2008, and was well attended by
RMAC members. Highlighting the meeting was guest speaker
Linda Hart, Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs (CFDC), an
organization of dog fanciers who have formed this alliance to
better fight breed specific and mandatory spay/neuter legislations
that are threatening dog owners and breeders nationwide.
Ms. Hart provided information on CFDC’s activities to date
this year. Please refer to page 4 for those updates.
Annual Election of Officers/Board Members
One of the most important tasks at the Annual Meeting is the
election of new officers and board members for the coming fiscal
year. Nominations were previously announced via the meeting
minutes on RMAC Yahoo Group. No new nominations were
received from the floor. The nominated slate was approved as
follows:
Dragon Boat Festival
RMAC Members Participate
Spear-headed by member Kathie Timko, several
members of RMAC participated in the annual Dragon Boat
Festival, a Denver-area event that highlights and celebrates
Asian-Pacific culture and heritage.
RMAC displayed
traditional Japanese items in their booth, along with Akitarelated educational materials. The booth was extremely
popular with visitors to the festival, and although there was a
prohibition against having dogs actually present during the
event, RMAC participants had the welcome opportunity to
present our dogs in a favorable light. This was also an
opportunity to speak against Breed Specific Legislation and
how it impacts ordinary citizens and their rights to own
animals. Because of the popularity of the RMAC booth, the
organizers of the event have indicated that RMAC will be
invited to return for next year’s festival. Richard Shaw – President (2 yr term)
Cynthia Hutt – Vice President (1 yr term)
Patti Dolezal – Treasurer (1 yr term)
Karen Shaw – Secretary (2 year term)
Gruelt Baker, Donna White – Board (2 yr)
Kathy Tubb – Board (1 year term)
The position of Newsletter Editor was resigned and vacant.
Trudy Fotiades volunteered for this task. The position of
Historian has been filled by Jan Hammond, however she has not
been able to recover the Club’s historical property from the prior
Historian. The club decided this will be the focus of renewed
efforts.
AKC Club Requirements
Various educational and outreach requirements must be
annually satisfied to remain in good standing as an AKC licensed
club. Among other activities, this year RMAC has held a
specialty show, participated in the Dragon Boat festival, hosted
“Dancing With Dogs” and cart-pulling exhibitions, all of which
serve to meet our 2008 requirements for continued AKC
licensing. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE …………
RMAC Menbers,
I thank you for the opportunity to serve as your
RMAC President for the next 2 years. This Club has come
a long way and accomplished a great deal in the last almost
30 years of existence. It's hard to believe, but we must be
the oldest or close to it of all ACA Clubs out there.
We need to pull our individual interests and skills
together to educate ourselves and the general public about
our breed and being responsible dog owners. This will
help in our fight against all the Anti Dog/Animal
Legislation and the AR activists’ agenda. So enjoy the
activities you participate in with your Akita. Get involved,
volunteer when and where you can, and have a great 2009.
Rich Shaw
Newsletter 3
CFDC activities on behalf of member clubs in 2008
State - We had 4 bills dealing with dogs or dog related issues this year on the state level. One other bill that had hidden animal
rights verbiage concerning public schools was also opposed and killed.
HB1308- Concerning treatment that
may result in harm to certain animals
The most dangerous of the bills for 08'. Actively opposed in each and every hearing until the bill was finally gutted by the
author, and became a bill concerning rabies vaccinations statewide at 3 year intervals. We went neutral at that point.
Passed as amended.
HB1042-Animal
Massage Practitioners
This was to exempt people from the veterinary practice act who have earned a degree in animal massage. Neutral
position. Passed.
HB1185-
Spay/Neuter Shelter Dogs/Cats
This bill affected animals in licensed shelters and rescues only. We went from opposed position to one of support, with
amendments. For details go to the website. Bill passed.
HB1149- Concerning providing an alternative educational choice to the dissection of an animals in a public
school classroom.
This bill would have allowed HSUS and PET A to teach a class in our schools at our expense. It died quickly but we were
ready to actively oppose it on every front.
Englewood -Participated in a two year Dangerous Dog Task Force and revision of the Englewood animal laws. They had started
out wanting a breed ban, and through efforts of the CFDC and a board member who is a resident, we helped turn it around to
probably one of the best animal ordinances in the state. We will be using it as an example to other cities of how cooperation and
use of the expertise of the dog community can help resolve problems in a better way.
Arapahoe Countv -The County was considering changes to its animal zoning ordinances based on a couple of complaints. The
Federation worked with the county zoning department to identify the problems and make recommendations on how to resolve
them without changes existing laws. Our input was very much appreciated and the Federation has been added as an expert
contact for any future problems that may come up. No changes were made to existing laws because of that input and
cooperation.
Colorado Pet Fair -The Federation had an education booth at a large pet fair in April. It was held at the Merchandise Mart off
58th and 1-25, and attracted major crowds of general public looking to learn more about dogs and pets. We handed out
information from AKC on responsible pet ownership, as well as information about local dog groups and answered questions. We
feel this might be a great project for all of the dog clubs in Colorado to support since public education as to who we are as a dog
community, rather than letting the animal rights groups define us, is critical to our future. There were only two breed clubs
represented besides the CFDC booth. The rest were rescues or commercial booths. We do need to promote public education!
Revision of the Federation Bv-laws -The Board is currently reviewing and making much needed updates to the by-laws. This
hasn't been done since the group was formed. We are also considering adding several new Board positions so we can have a larger
base for input from clubs, and more people to get projects done. The proposed changes will be presented to the member clubs for
approval this fall.
New Website Launched -We found a new webmaster and had a new and much improved CFDC website created. Address is
http://codoafederation.ora We are also in the process of getting an e-mail notification list going. Representatives of each club, as
well as designated officers may join the list. It will be by invitation only so the list remains secure for legislative alerts. The list is at
coloradopetlawauvahooaroups.com Request to be added to the group and you will receive an approval e-mail.
Other actions - Had two representatives at a two day Colorado Animal Law Conference to listen as well as counter the animal
rights representatives at this conference. It was a successful event and we were able to educate as well as counter the animal rights
arguments before the attorneys attending. We also made some contacts at the conference that will be useful in the future.
Support in fighting BSL -Currently assisting an Am Staff owner in Aurora work with the city attorney to get her dog back
home. Her house was broken into and one of her two pet Am Staffs was either taken out or escaped during the attempted
robbery. Both dogs have been registered at $225 each with that city for the past 6 years with no problems. The city is saying since
Buster was picked up that they won't allow her to bring him back into the city. She is charged with misdemeanor dangerous dog at
large and other charges, which could cause her to lose her job handling securities. She also has health problems which are being
aggravated by the stress of this situation. A CFDC representative when with her to the meeting with the city attorney and let them
know we are supporting her argument that the dog was out only because of this robbery. The dog was picked up on the same
block it lived. She has locks and 6' chain link porch fencing. The only way the dog could have gotten out is if it was taken out by
whoever broke into the home. A decision from Aurora is pending. We will post the full story on the website as soon as that
decision is made.
If you have any questions please contact Linda Hart, CFDC Secretary kharahsaucomcast.net
ROCKY MTN AKITA CLUB 4
Rescue News
About The Cover…
CH Samkita’s Handsome Stranger, AOM ROMP
“Handsome” is shown here after winning Best
Veteran in Veteran Sweepstakes at the 2008 Akita Club of
America National Specialty, owner handled by Jan
Hammond, Crazy Bear Akitas. He showed beautifully
and had huge support from the audience. Thanks to all for
the wonderful comments about Handsome. Long time
Breeder/judge Susan Duncan was very impressed with his
type and soundness.
Handsome is passing along his soundness and sweet
temperament to his “kids.” Kris (Wacenske) Procopio
has a litter of 6 new Handsome puppies in Spokane WA at
www.samkitas.com and Handsome has been bred to
Kathie Timko’s lovely girl Takka.
Jan says, “We are not only very pleased with
Handsome’s history of very nice National wins but also
the superb quality of his offspring.”
Brags and Cries
Good News and Sad News to Share
*Stephanie Johnson’s male, Minda Sundance Shiver Me
Timbers, “Forrest” won his 12-18 month class at the Akita
National Specialty. Forrest also went Best Opposite Sex to
Senior in the Sweepstakes event.
*Nick and Trudy Fotiades’ puppies, Black Canyon March
Madness, “Mandy,” and Black Canyon Avalanche, “Ava,” went
1st and 3rd in the 6-9 month puppy bitch class at the ACA
National Specialty. Mandy also went WB/BOW/BOS and Ava
took RWB at the Grand Junction show on September 20th. On
October 18th, Mandy took WB for a 3 point major from Bred-By
class at the Rapid City KC show. And on October 19th, Ava took
the 3 point major from puppy class and also went BOS over a
special. Both girls have just turned 7 months old.
Richard and Karen Shaw’s Veteran Bitch, CH Kiowa Chyna at
Dune, “Chyna,”placed 2nd in the 7-9 Yr Veteran class and also
placed 2nd in Brood Bitch with her produce Zakk and Aria, at the
Akita National Specialty. Zakk was also shown in Stud Dog class
with his sire, CH Kumite’s Arctic Blast of Shekinah, where
“Blaster” won the class.
Colorado Akitas in Need
RMAC recently learned of Riley, a 10-year old neutered
male who was owner-surrendered to the Humane Society of
Boulder because of the owner’s relocation to a smaller
residence. According to the Behavior and Health Supervisor
at the shelter, Riley has a wonderful history with people and
especially children. He is overweight and hard of hearing.
Riley needs a home to spend his remaining days in.
Maya Ananda has received word about a 4-yr old female
in Greeley, named Hika, who needs re-homing due to
divorce and ensuing financial problems. Hika is affectionate
with people, especially children, and lived in harmony with
the other family dog, a female pug. She was charged with
biting a neighbor child but found “not guilty” as she was in
her own yard, there were no witnesses to the allegation and
an animal psychologist found her to be non-aggressive.
Yone is a purebred, intact male in Casper, Wyoming.
Yone’s owner was arrested and he was being cared for by a
female friend. Unfortunately, Yone killed her pet Chihuahua
and injured another small dog in the household. She
subsequently called Metro Animal Control to confiscate
Yone. He’s been at the shelter for over a month and has lost
a lot of weight. He measures approximately 25” to 26” and
weighs only about 75 pounds at this time. Yone is available
to be pulled by rescue, but will have to have a foster home to
go to. Transport can be arranged. Shelter personnel have
evaluated him as being adoptable to a home with no small
animals. He seldom barks, is very docile, walks well on lead.
LITTERBOX
Multi BISS CH Dream Hi's You Don't Know
Jack (Jack) and CH Dune's Angel Of Music At
Stargate (Aria). Litter confirmed by
ultrasound; due November 25, 2008. Both are
OFA-Good & CERF current. Contact
Rich/Karen Shaw [email protected] and
Carrie Holgate [email protected] for more
information.
ROCKY MTN AKITA CLUB 5
RMAC Newsletter Information
Contact information
By Trudy Fotiades, Editor
President - Richard Shaw
[email protected]
VP - Cynthia Hutt
[email protected]
Treasurer - Patti Dolezal
[email protected]
Secretary - Karen Shaw
[email protected]
Newsletter - Trudy Fotiades
[email protected]
This issue marks the rebirth of the Rocky Mountain
Akita Club Newsletter. The editor will strive to make
this publication as newsworthy and stylish as those of
the past. We hope to have some quarterly features that
engage the membership. We will invite participation
from outside the club and will distribute the newsletter
to other interested breed clubs. Articles, pictures and
other items of interest can be emailed to the editor at
[email protected].
ADVERTISING RATES
Cover ……….......$25 for photo & text
Inside Pages…… $15 for 1 photo & text
Business Card……$ 5 per issue; $18 per year
Brags & Cries…….free for members
Litterbox…………$5 (free for members)
Breed club events...free, includes other clubs’ events
RMAC Holiday Party (catered)
White Elephant Gift Exchange
December 13, 2008
1 :0 0 p m
Home of Bob & Donna White
Colorado Springs
ROCKY MTN AKITA CLUB 6
Calendar of Events
Upcoming Dates To Remember
LEGEND: Conformation/Obed/Rally
Agility
November 1 – 2
Valencia Valley Kennel Club
Heritage Park
Los Lunas, NM
November 2
Arapahoe Kennel Club A/OA Match
Arapahoe CO Fairgrounds
Aurora, CO
November 4
ELECTION DAY **Exercise your most important privilege**
November 8 - 9
Flatirons Kennel Club
Boulder CO Fairgrounds
November 8 – 9
Southern Colorado Kennel Club shows
Colorado State Fairgrounds Pueblo , CO
November 15 - 16
Mile High Agility Club of Boulder
Jefferson CO Fairgrounds
Golden, CO
November 15 – 16
Council Bluffs Kennel Club
Lancaster Event Center
Lincoln, NE
November 27
THANKSGIVING DAY
November 28 - 30
Southern Colorado Agility Club
Latigo Trails Equestrian Ctr Elbert, CO
December 13
RMAC HOLIDAY PARTY
Bob & Donna White’s
December 13 – 14
AKC Eukanuba Invitational CONFORMATION
Long Beach, CA
December 13 – 14
AKC Eukanuba Invitational
Long Beach, CA
ROCKY MTN AKITA CLUB 7
Longmont, CO
Colorado Springs, CO