Central Maine Brittany Club

Central Maine Brittany Club
Page 1 of 13
Winter Newsletter - 2010
President: John A. Short
Secretary/Treasurer: Donna B. Pride
Director: Pamela Jackson ‘10
VP Field Trials: Gary Anderson
Director: R.O. Hagar ‘11
VP Membership: Lisa Tailby
Director: Julie M. Harris ‘12
VP Shows: Ann H. Short
Director: Dwight “Pete” Jordan ‘13
CMBC Annual Membership Meeting
Date: Saturday February 27, 2010
Time: 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Location: Sportsmans Alliance of Maine (S.A.M.) Conference Center
205 Church Hill Road Augusta, ME 04330-8210
Central Maine Brittany Club has made arrangements with the Sportsmans Alliance of Maine to hold our annual membership
meeting at their beautiful conference center in Augusta. Polish up your culinary skills and show them off at our meeting by bringing
a dish to share with your fellow members (see choices below). To minimize the
cost of the meeting room there will be a $5.00 donation
per
person. If your dog accomplished something you
are especially proud of in
2009, please bring a photo and
written description for our
"brags table." Or just bring
your favorite couch potato
pictures to share! Election of
officers will take place at this
meeting so it is important for all to
attend. The future of CMBC depends upon ALL
members and there are some great plans for 2010 and
2011. This is a very informal meeting and a great and
fun way to socialize with other, meet new friends and
renew old friendships. This new location holds endless
possibilities for CMBC. Help us continue growing into the club YOU want it to be. This is YOUR club, and YOUR support and
participation is vital so appreciated and needed. Please RSVP to the Shorts at 207-636-9855 or
[email protected] on or before February 20th and indicate which food item you’ll bring for the
membership meeting. Thanks! We are planning a very enjoyable, relaxing meeting for all CMBC
members!
Casserole/Main Dish?
- Appetizer? - Dessert? Beverage?
Salad? -
DIRECTIONS: Centrally located. If coming from the north or south and using the Interstate, take Exit 113 off
I95.Head east on Rt.3 and go straight through 3 lights. At the fourth light, take a left. We are on the right a couple of hundred yards
from that fourth light. Access from the coastal regions of the state is easy on Routes 3/202, 17 or 27. Coming from the east on Route
3 brings you to our doorstep. Just watch for the cross-roads of Bolton Hill Rd. on your left and Cross Hill Road on your right. That
will alert you that you are approaching the intersection where you need to turn. Continue on Rt. 3/202 for another 2.3 miles at which
point you will be at the intersection of Rts. 3/202 and Church Hill Road. Turn right at this intersection. We are one-tenth of a mile
on the right on Church Hill Road. If you are approaching from the west, you will probably come right into Augusta on Rt. 202. Once
in the city, proceed on Rt. 202 toward Memorial Circle. At Memorial Circle, take the second exit off the circle, staying on US Rts.
201 and US Rt. 202. At Cony Circle, take the third exit onto Bangor Street/US 201/US 202/Me Rt. 9.Turn right at N. Belfast
Ave./ME Rt. 9/US Rt. 202. Go one mile to a set of lights. Turn right onto ME. Rt.3 and proceed 0.7 miles to another set of lights.
Turn left at these lights onto Church Hill Road. Continue for 0.1 miles. SAM is on your right: a long building with log siding.
Page 2 of 13
2009 Central Maine Brittany Club Field Trial Results
September 12, 13, 2009 - Fryeburg, ME
“... I hope everyone had a safe, uneventful ride home from our trial this past weekend. We are
so glad that you were able to come and experience Maine for the weekend. I would like to
thank all the people who were planting birds, filling bird bags, running errands for supplies,
cooking, serving food, collecting money, making sure all the entries and other paperwork
were complete and announcing braces on the line. I want to thank the judges who spent
several hours on the juvenile and adult courses and using their knowledge and keen eye in
making the following placements. I want to thank all of those workers who spent many days
grooming courses to get ready for the trial. We had several people of all ages new to field
trailing who visited over the weekend. Many thanks to you all. Oh, and thanks for the great
weather.” Gary Anderson (pictured here with his beautiful granddaughter Rachel)
Amateur Puppy - No starters
Amateur Derby – 7 starters
Judges: F. Pride/R. Paucek
1. Setter Heaven’s Lucky Star JH, ES, o/h Malcolm Parsons
2. Little Liberty Delight, Brittany, o/h Aaron Crown
3. Redoak’s Vivace by Barktalk, VZ, o Marcia Schlesinger h Tracy
Faber withheld
Amateur Gundog – 22 starters
Judges: Mitch Swierczynski/Ted Swierczynski
1. Green Mountain Brady, Brittany, o/h Mike Blondin
2. Casco Bay Jasper, Brittany, o Peter Mazzaglia h Ray Gorman
3. Abigail Abalanch, Brittany, o/h Jim Black
4. Capewind’s Yankee Dory, Brittany, o/h Tania Lewandowski
Walking Hunting Dog – Saturday – 10 starters
Judges: Aaron Crown/Tania Lewandowski
1. J & As Apple Jack of Acton, Brittany, o John and Ann Short h John
Short
2. Mr. P’s Little Debbie, Brittany, o John and Rita Poland h John Poland
3. Hillside’s Codi Sue JH, Brittany, o Russ and Edie Davidson h Russ
Davidson
4. Gwen, ES, o/h Henry Anderson
Open Puppy – 5 starters
Judges: Mitch Swierczynski/Ted Swierczynski
1. Shenipsits Dr. Cooke, VZ, o Kevin Arber h Tracy Faber
2. Redoak’s Vivace by Barktalk, VZ, o Marcia Schlesinger h Tracy
Faber
3. Little Liberty Delight, Brittany, o/h Aaron Crown
4. withheld
Open Derby – 6 starters
Judges: Arthur Hembrough/Jane Bjork
1. Setter Heavens Lucky Star JH, ES, o/h Malcolm Parsons, Jr.
2. Cliffside’s Harvey Wallbanger, VZ, o Kathryn & Robert Seelye h
Tracy Faber
3. Shenipsits Dr.. Cooke, VZ, o Kevin Arber h Tracy Faber
4. Hill’s Catch’n the Wind, Brittany, o Paul & Dawn Hill h Paul Hill
Page 3 of 13
Field Trial results continued…
Open Gundog – 22 starters
Judges: Frank Pride/ Bob Paucek
1. Da Capo by Barktalk, VZ, o Marcia
Schlesinger h Bob Seelye
2. CH Swift River’s Pivotal Moment,
Brittany, o/h Jane Bjork
3. Mr P’s D Evil Dog of Coos, Brittany, o
John & Rita Poland h John Poland
4. Mr P’s Twinkie, Brittany, o John &
Rita Poland h John Poland
Walking Hunting Dog – Sunday – 8 starters
Judges: Arthur Hembrough/ Jane Bjork
1. Abigail Abalanch, Brittany, o/h Jim Black
2. Mr P’s Little Debbie, Brittany, o John & Rita Poland h John Poland
3. Coos Mister White, Brittany, o David & Joan Hayes h Joan Hayes
4. J & A’s Apple Jack of Acton, Brittany, o John and Ann Short h John Short
Don’t miss either of the 2010 field trials! It’s the first time in
several years we’ve had a spring trial! Come and check out the
work that has been done on the grounds! Come have fun!
Page 4 of 13
FOR YOUR 2010 CALENDAR:

February 4, 2010 AKC Lobby Day - Hall of Flags, Augusta Maine. CMBC will participate and have a table
set up to inform legislators about responsible dog ownership, breeding, hunting with dogs and more.

Annual Member Luncheon/Meeting at Sportsmans Alliance of Maine (see page 1 for more information)
Saturday, February 27th 11 a.m. - 2 p.m

A Tentative Schedule of Director Meetings:
April 7h Wednesday Evening, , Weathervane Rest. 6 pm
June 26th, Saturday, AFTER THE SPECIALTY show
August 4th, Wednesday Evening, Weathervane Rest. 6 pm
October 6th, Wednesday Evening, Weathervane Rest. 6 pm

CMBC Events:
May 22 & 23, Spring Field Trial, Brownfield Maine
June 26, Specialty Dog Show, Cumberland Maine
July 31st Annual Summer Fun/Field Day, Acton and/or Brownfield Maine - Canine Good Citizen Testing
September 11 & 12, Fall Field Trial, Brownfield Maine

Federation of Maine Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners
3rd Tuesday, The Federation meets monthly at the Augusta City
Center (not to be confused with the Civic Center) adjacent to the
Old Fort Western in Augusta, Maine. Meetings are 6 - 8 PM.
Come and find out what is going on at the state level on your behalf
concerning responsible dog ownership.
NOTE: The above calendar does not include club workdays for getting
together at the Maine Bird Dog Club Field Trial grounds. Also, we
hope to add several learning/training days in 2010 relative to showing,
grooming, hunting, field trials, hunt tests etc. Information above is
subject to change. Come to the annual meeting on February 27 and help
us plan the new year together.
WEDDING BELLS
Congratulations are in order for members Kim and Tom Zuk! Their
daughter Cindy will marry Brad on June 12, 2010. We share your joy
and happiness at this special time of your lives and wish you the very best
in the years to come!
Page 5 of 13
CMBC Members Activity, Brags, & More !
CMBC members continue to be very busy! Shown here are just a
few photos to capture some of their activity. Once again the
Summer Field & Fun Day was largely attended with various demos
enjoyed by all and of course good food, 28 dogs and 52 people!
Julie Harris continues to enjoy showing Bullet who is now show
pointed and also competes in Flyball with Sassy. Lisa Tailby is
understandably proud of Izzy’s accomplishment as CMBC’s most
recent champion! John and Ann and were blessed with the arrival
of 11 healthy puppies in October when Treasure had her first litter
which was sired by Gibson, owned by Pam and Sam Jackson. Kim
Tees and Ann worked together on behalf of New England Brittany
Rescue to transport “Quinn” a handsome liver and white male
Brittany across Maine and NH to the NEBR president, Christine.
Quinn is doing wonderful in his new forever home which is very
encouraging considering a request had been made to euthanize
him. Kim and Jim Tee’s beautiful senior show and agility
champion “Jenny” is pictured enjoying herself this summer at their
camp. Gary is doing a super job of leadership as President of the
Federation of Maine Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners.
Frank and Donna are wintering in Arkansas and we miss them.
Tis the season for all of us to begin conditioning our dogs for the
spring field trials.
Page 6 of 13
Legislative Activity
As a result of legislation passed in the first part of the 124th Legislature I was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Maine
Animal Welfare Advisory Council representing municipal kennel dog owners. There has never been a voice at the state level for
those who own multiple dogs for a specific purpose (hunting, showing, field trialing, sled dog, competitive sports), who only breed
occasionally and do not sell more than 16 puppies in a year. The Federation of Maine Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners are
directly responsible for this opportunity. My nomination was supported by Maine Senator Richard Nass, Mary Jo Trimble
(American Brittany Club), the Acton Animal Control Officer, our own Central Maine Brittany Club, and several other Maine based
dog clubs. Gary Anderson was also appointed to AWAC to fill the vacant seat for a representative of the Maine Cooperative
Extension. AWAC was created to advise the Commissioner of Agriculture on matters that pertain to the Maine Animal Welfare
Program. It reviews legislation relative to animal welfare. The following bills are being followed this session:
LD 1587, An Act to Amend Animal Welfare Laws
LD 1598, An Act to Strengthen the Laws Against Illegal Puppy Mill Operators (FMDC-RDO neither for/nor against)
LD 1684, An Act to Amend the Laws that Provide an Exemption for Guard Dogs from Municipal Ordinances
Governing Barking Dogs
LD 1698, An Act to Prevent the Spread of Eastern Equine Encephalitis
The language in LD 1598 has nothing to do with ‘puppy mills.’ This word has no true definition and is a term created by the animal
right organizations, those who would like to eliminate all animal use of any kind, especially the breeding and sport of purebred dogs.
Anytime the word appears in legislation, in media, etc. it immediately conjures up terribly sad photos of dogs in the worse condition.
These situations do exist of course and we are opposed to animal abuse, cruelty and neglect. The Animal Legal Defense Fund does
an annual study on the country’s best animal protection laws. Maine is among the top 3 as far as having the BEST animal
protection laws and strictest enforcement of them. Each year a new law is introduced such as LD 1598 which builds upon language
that was introduced in the prior year. Unfortunately, the general public unknowingly supports the majority of legislation that uses
the language of ‘puppy mills’. Money making organizations like HSUS are successful at raising millions of dollars for legislative,
political ads and campaigns to keep their machine going. I would exhort each and every one of you to look into this organization
and others and learn the truth. Organizations such as the National Animal Interest Alliance and Sportsmen and Animal Owners
Voting Alliance are excellent sources that help expose the HSUS myth. Above all, each and every animal owner in Maine needs to
remain diligent, aware, and when possible - involved with stopping the flood of animal rights vs. animal welfare legislation. Animal
rights is not the same as animal welfare. The AR’s use the instrumentalism method to pass laws that give more government control
of our relationship with animals we own.
John and I continue to be involved and advocate specifically for Maine hunting and sporting dog owners. We accomplish
this through our legislative blog http://mainehdo.blogspot.com/ and also as delegates for CMBC with the Federation of Maine Dog
Club and Responsible Dog Owners where Gary is doing a great job as President. 2010 begins my second year as AKC Legislative
Liaison for the Central Maine Brittany Club and third year as volunteer representative for the Sportsmen and Animal Owners Voting
Alliance in our state. http://saova.org/index.html
If at anytime you become aware of a situation that seems wrong concerning your rights as a dog owner OR if you are aware
of situations of abuse, neglect, cruelty, please let me know. The word ‘puppy mill’ is a term created by the animal right and AKC
promotes a better way to discuss these situations is to address them as ‘substandard kennels.’ The AR’s would have you believe that
just because someone owns multiple animals that the owner is incapable of caring properly for them. This is simply untrue. It is time
to stop counting and start caring. As a member club of the Federation, all CMBC members are encouraged to join together to support
and stand for the rights of all responsible animal owners and breeders, educate whenever possible, and support reasonable animal
welfare laws while seeking to eliminate all abuse. As FMDC-RDO http://www.fedmedogclubs.org/ puts it:




Sub-standard care and breeding practices are not acceptable to the responsible dog owners and breeders in Maine. .
Regulations currently on the books are more than adequate to track down offenders. Enforcement is the issue. In a challenging
economic climate, the State of Maine needs to work with people who need minor upgrades.
Responsible dog owners and the dog clubs in Maine are a valuable resource with much experience in the care of animals.
All of society benefits when animals are given better protection. And, all of society, not just responsible dog owners, should help
pay for that protection.
Sincerely, Ann H. Short, Central Maine Brittany Club AKC Legislative Liaison
Page 7 of 13
Central Maine Brittany Club Nomination Slate for 2010
(The following individuals would be pleased to continue to serve in their respective positions)
JOHN A. SHORT SR., PRESIDENT
DONNA PRIDE, SECRETARY/TREASURER
GARY ANDERSON, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT, FIELD TRIALS
LISA TAILBY, SECOND VICE PRESIDENT, MEMBERSHIP
ANN SHORT, THIRD VICE PRESIDENT, SHOWS
2010 DIRECTORS SLATE:
R.O. HAGAR, ONE-YEAR DIRECTOR: FEBRUARY 2011
JULIE HARRIS, TWO-YEAR DIRECTOR: FEBRUARY 2012
DWIGHT “PETE” JORDAN, THREE-YEAR DIRECTOR: FEBRUARY 2013
PAMELA JACKSON, FOUR-YEAR DIRECTOR: FEBRURAY 2014
Elections will occur at the Annual Members Meeting on Saturday, February 27th.
Respectfully Submitted, CMBC 2010 Nomination Committee
Julie Harris (Chair), Donna Pottle, Kim Tees
==========================================================================
When club members wonder where their annual dues go or what the officers and directors talk about and plan for throughout the
year, the answer can be found throughout these pages. It is the heartfelt desire of this club to continue to advance, to try new things,
and to provide creative opportunities for EVERY PERSON and their Brittany to feel as if they truly are helping the Central Maine
Brittany Club become all it can be. The ONE time that we request members to gather together is at the annual members meeting.
We try very hard to make this a fun time for everyone, welcome new ideas, get to know each other better, share the heartfelt stories
of life with a Brittany (or several of them), brag about your dogs, talk about family, give each other a word of encouragement if times
are tough, and more. A quick look at the work at Brownfield will reveal the dedication the leadership of this club has for you. This
team remains in touch with each other and communicates regularly about all manners of things. A lot of work gets done behind the
scenes. It’s not for our own personal gain, it is because we love this breed and want to offer as many opportunities as possible to get
you involved with your dog and with the club. Energy levels fade, physical bodies experience exhaustion, and there are times it is
just plain difficult to keep this club going for one reason or another. But in our heart and minds, it is simply worth it. Some of the
newer approaches have included but are not limited to:
 Canine Good Citizen Tests
 Gun Dog Training Days
 Flyball and Agility Demonstrations
 A Return to a Spring Field Trial (May 2010)
 Grooming Demos
 Mock Dog Shows/Handling
 Club website
 Discussion of an independent show in conjunction with a field trial (2011?)
 Future Hunt Tests (2011?)
 Meet the Breed Public Exhibits (see photo)
 AKC Lobby Day at the State House
Most every time we meet of course good food is involved! And for the February 27
meeting, we invite you to share your cooking skills. Please come to the annual members meeting. Everything we do, we do for you
and your Brittany(s). If you’ve forgotten to RSVP yet, please send an email to [email protected] . Maybe you’re a new
member! Maybe you’re one of the original co-founders. It doesn’t matter. You are part of this club and that means you are very
much appreciated, and very much needed.
Page 8 of 13
All things Brittany, Harris Family Style
The versatility of the Brittany has hit the Harris Family full force as we try to balance
Sassy’s (J&A’s Sassafras Rose Harris, dob 7/20/06) flyball, hunting and the occasional
field trial with Bullet’s (J&A’s High Caliber Harris Special, dob 9/17/08) conformation,
and training for hunting, flyball and obedience. And we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Sassy is working hard to gather her points toward her next title in flyball. She
obtained the Flyball Master (FM), which requires 5,000 points, in April 2009. Her next
title comes at 10,000 points, and she has about 3,000 more points to go. Her next
tournament is in Fitchburg on Valentine’s weekend. Sassy is serious about whatever she
does whether it’s flyball or hunting or anything else I ask her to do for that matter. She is very competitive and has awesome
concentration. She knows her job and does it. As some of you who were at last September’s CMBC field trial know, we have an issue
with Sassy coming when called while on the hunt. She is just as serious about her independence as she is everything else. We have
been working on that issue all winter, and we hope to see improvement this spring when the serious training begins again. We’re
also just waiting for the time when the bicycle can come back out and we can be off on a nice jaunt together.
Sassy, also lovingly called The Sassinator, has been an awesome big sister to Bullet, except when she gets him in trouble,
and the two love each other, often sleeping together. Bullet Man, as we lovingly call him, has a personality larger than life, and just
makes you smile to look at him. He is a very happy dog, and wants so much to please. He’s very easy to train, and has shown us
great promise on birds. We look forward to intensifying his training this spring.
In the meantime, we have been spending lots of time in the conformation show rings. Bullet has won four winners dog
placements, although only two resulted in points; four reserve winners dog placements; a couple of best puppy placements in breed
and a couple of best of opposite sex placements since he debuted last April. Bullet’s first AKC point was earned on Aug. 30, at
Midcoast Kennel Club’s show in Cumberland; and his second at the Central New England Brittany
Club specialty on Nov. 27 in Fitchburg where he also won BOSSW! In January, Bullet took reserve
winners dog at Merrimack Valley Kennel Club in Fitchburg. He has a long ways to go to reach his
championship, but we look forward to the journey. Bullet and I finally have begun to find a rhythm
together in the show ring. I hadn’t been in any show ring for years when I started showing dogs
nearly two years ago. Showing beef steers and sheep is a lot different from showing dogs. But I
enjoy it, and Bullet knows I’m happy doing it so he just has fun. That’s what it’s all about.
Bullet also has been training off and on for flyball. He has picked it up VERY quickly, and
after fewer than a half dozen short sessions, he’s doing full runs down to the flyball box, turning
properly on the box and coming back to me. The next step is to put the ball in the box. And he
LOVES balls of all sorts! He also has done an awesome job training with his and Sassy’s trainer
Dawn Weber for obedience. I hope to enter him in a match sometime in the next year. And some have mentioned his agility
potential. Phew!
But I truly think Bullet’s destiny lies with the field, as his bird skills seem to be strong like his father Jack’s (J&A’s Apple
Jack of Acton, owned by John and Ann Short) and he will drop whatever else he’s doing and get serious when there’s a bird
involved. Wherever these beautiful animals lead us, we know the journey will be fun and rewarding, and at the end of the day, we’ll
be sharing our space on the couch or in the bedroom with two of the most amazing creatures on Earth.
Respectfully Submitted, Julie and Jim Harris
============================================================================================
The Purpose of a Dog - From a 4 year old “ Being a veterinarian, I was called to examine a ten-year old Irish Wolfhound named
Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a
miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to
perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it
would be good for the four-year old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the
experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the
old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion We sat together for a while after Belker's death,
wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up,
"I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting
explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life, like loving everybody all the time and being
nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Page 9 of 13
CMBC President’s Report - October 7, 2009
As this year winds down I appreciate all that everyone has done to keep things going in the club. I think it was a real good year. The
show went well, Fun Day was real good and had about 50 people but I do wish that more members would show up at our events.
The field trail was real good and it seems every one had a good time. Gary does a great job heading that up. Also appreciate all the
help that came from everyone else too.
We made a lot of headway at the grounds in Brownfield, a lot of work has been done there. I hope that next year this work
will continue and we develop the cut on the puppy course into a nice bird field. I’ve been pleased to see the Maine Bird Dog Clubs
and CMBC work together on this.
I want to continue to pursue offering a hunt test and talk about a spring field trial. I’ve listed some of that on the agenda
under new and old business.
You can count on me to do my best for this club and I continue to look forward to what the future holds and doing whatever
I can to help assure a successful one. Thanks for all your support.
Respectfully Submitted,
John A. Short, President
====================================================================================
CENTRAL MAINE BRITTANY CLUB, INC
DIRECTORS MEETING OCTOBER 07, 2009
Meeting was called to order by President John Short at 5:30 pm at the Weathervane in Waterville. Roll Call,
John Short, Richard Hagar, Gary Anderson, Pete Jordan, Julie Harris, Pam Jackson, Lisa Tailby and Donna
Pride. Absent ,Ann Short. Guest were Sam Jackson, Julie Whitney and Frank Pride.
nd
Pete Jordan make motion to accept last meeting minutes as was reported in the newsletter. Gary 2 , all in favor.
nd
Presidents report was read , Pete made motion and Gary 2 , (on file)
Secretary Report 10.7.2009
Check Balance: $4,657.78
We have 27 members, 16 Associate Members, 1 unpaid member, John McCartney
The club seems to be going good, we had a good fun day at the Shorts and the show went well as far as I have
heard. The field trial is over and did great. The grounds were worked on by everyone and we had nothing but
great reports from everyone at the trial. The food was great and the Surprise Party and Trophy for Pete Jordan
was wonderful. It is so great to see Pete and his daughter Margaret there again this year.
We did miss having one Directors Meeting but I do think that with the internet the jobs get done and
everybody knows what is going on, our constitution states 4 directors meetings and hopefully we will do better
next year. It seems to me that if we have the dates set up for the meetings at the annual meeting even if we have
to change them a little it works out better for everyone.
I hope things go good for the rest of the year and the nomination committee does well getting our
members together as a group for next year.
We will be leaving for Arkansas next month but as in the past I am just an email away and the phone
still works. The change on the checking account has worked out well. Gary Anderson signing when he needs a
check was so much easier this year.
Thank You
Donna Pride
st
nd
1 VP Gary read his report (on file) Pete made motion and RO 2 .
===============================================================================
"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semihuman.
The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog." - Edward Hoagland
Page 10 of 13
CENTRAL MAINE BRITTANY CLUB, INC - SHOW REPORT OCTOBER 07, 2009
The plans for the date and location of our 2010 show remains up in the air. YCKC and VDC are doing a 4 day cluster in
Scarborough the third weekend in May. I have been in touch with YCKC’s show committee to see what would be available to us and
there are still some gray areas. Our Specialty with YCKC would be held on a Friday, which could work to bring in more entries for
a major. There are two other all breed clubs in Maine who have expressed an interest in having us.
Last but not least, there is a very real possibility we could have our Specialty show right outside of Fryeburg, Maine at the
Carroll County Kennel Club show - which I will tell you was one of the nicest venues I have seen since my short time of showing.
Personally, I am leaning towards the CCKC. Another option is that we’ve been invited to hold our specialty in conjunction with the
2010 Summer National Specialty which will be held in Springfield, Mass. Dottie Boyatzi and I have been exploring those options
together as well. My personal thought regarding Springfield - although it would be wonderful exposure for us to be part of a Summer
National Specialty we really do not have the amount of workers needed. Even at the Maine shows there are very few who physically
help out. We would require manageable and realistic plan with solid commitments. Those of us on the board who do show, would
need to refrain from showing our own dogs. The shows will be held over the 4 days of July 4th, 2010. We would be responsible for
hiring our own judge and buying our own trophies/awards/ribbons etc.
Expenses of a Show are not supported by the entry fees with the exception of a small portion of sweeps fees going back to
us. At our annual meeting the Board approved a show budget of $250.00 for me without having to ask prior approval for
expenditures. This covered judges gift, hospitality, prizes, awards, trophy items including rosettes, and an AKC Show manual. I
will do my best to work within this budget again in 2010 as well as solicit monetary donations and sponsored awards from the
members.
With 3 shows behind us, we have an idea of show expenses and an understanding of what needs to be done, when, or why.
2009 was more representative of what we can expect show expenses to be. The learning curve still continues as York County Kennel
Club has now clustered with VDC. This will be like starting all over again with them, or with another club.
In closing, I hope that you will continue to trust me with making the necessary decisions concerning the show for 2010 with
the best interests of all concerned in mind. Thank you so much to everyone who helps make the shows be successful, fun, unique
and special.
Sincerely,
Ann H. Short
3rd VP of Shows
=============================================================================================
TO: Officers of Central Maine Brittany Club
RE: Specialty with Sweeps at Penobscot Valley Kennel Club, INC
To be held on June 26, 2010 at Cumberland Fair Grounds
Friday, January 8, 2010
As Event Chairman for the 2010 Penobscot Valley Kennel Club , Inc. events being held at Cumberland Fair Grounds
in Cumberland Maine on June 26 and 27 ,2010 - I hereby officially invite and welcome the Central Maine Brittany
Club to hold their specialty with sweeps at our event on Saturday, June 26, 2010.
Denyse M. Adams - Event Chairman for 2010 - [email protected]
Thank you to everyone who has donated to sponsor a gift, award or prize! We are very pleased that
Kristyn McCartney will be our sweepstakes judge. Mrs. Dinardo will judge our regular classes. I
hope that all our club members will come out and enjoy the show, and feel free to offer a helping
hand. It will be a really fun time for all as all our club events are intended to be! - Ann
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Maine Bird Dog Club Trial Area - Update
Although drivers on Maine’s scenic Route 5/113 near the Brownfield/Fryeberg line may find the deteriorated brown sign
pictured above difficult or impossible to read, it currently marks the entrance to the field trial grounds. It says “Developed
cooperatively between the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Maine Bird Dog Club”. The state
has been asked several times to replace this sign. Just this week, they were asked specifically if this sign could be replaced
prior to the Maine Bird Dog Clubs Annual Mother’s Day Field Trial (American Field) and the first spring trial (AKC) of
the Central Maine Brittany Club in several years, both held in May. (We were told the state is “making a lot of signs right
now” so we sure hope this includes our request.)
Speaking of ‘cooperation”, a couple of years ago Bob Paucek (well known pro trainer, breeder, and good friend to
many in both clubs) expressed a desire to see things improved at the bird dog grounds. Bob especially wanted to see a return
to both clubs having events together again, including co-hosting Hunt Tests. Evidently years ago field events were much
more of a family affair with both clubs working with each other and great comradery existing among both amateur and
professional competitors. Bob’s hopes did not fall on deaf ears as CMBC president John Short took him very seriously and
brought it to the CMBC Board. Once approval was granted, he began to speak with officers and members of each club.
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The first official step in a new direction occurred when a meeting was finally held @March ‘09 at the Gray office with Bob,
John,, Gary Anderson VP for Field Trials , Director RO Hagar, Scott and another biologist (ye editor was also there.)
Maps were reviewed, ideas discussed, and particulars noted. Bob, who knows these grounds like the palm of his hand,
reflected how MANY years ago he first viewed the Brownfield grounds from a fly over in a small plane and knew it would
be perfect for field events for gundogs. As CMBC had a Directors meeting planned the following month, all agreed to meet
at the grounds at that time.
A lot of concerns were brought forth, those of the state and those of the clubs. It was decided that the bird field
itself would be one of the first areas to attend to. There were many highs and lows over the past two years about this
project. Many times the expectations of the clubs were not met by the state, and many times members went in and did the
work themselves. This included Gary going up with a push mower and/or planting some seed; John bringing his bush hog in
several times; Frank, RO, Gary and many others traveling to Brownfield several times this summer cutting down trees etc;
and ye editor will attest to the many times John’s truck and equipment left early in the morning and returned late in the
afternoon during the summer! It was great to see everyone working together for this effort, but greater still to see the
persistence in continuing to move from one phase of grounds improvement to another. Each club voted on and agreed to
split the costs of work done and a budget was set for each. Private contractors were brought in a time or two to do some of
the bigger projects which the state had implied they would do, however did not. The state was consulted at every turn and
their guidance and suggestions were always in the forefront. With the many conservation laws in place it was important to
do things according to the law. It is still a cooperative effort that includes the state’s participation and we shall see if the
new sign is there this spring. Some of the particular work done includes the installment of culverts, physical removal of the
old junk and debris left over the years, etc. It has been mentioned several times of the need for the construction of a new
outhouse or a permanent port a potty before someone gets hurt. Frank mentioned this as a possibility for 2010. Another
new request is for the state to provide a couple of NO LITTERING signs. There is also a need for a gate of some kind and
the request has been made for no trespassing on the weekends that a trial is taking place. Well, if we’re going to improve
things, we may as well go all the way! Hopefully this year we will also be able to come up with the money to have the areas
that were cut this winter ground up so that we can seed them and complete the area of all the fields.
Some very heavy equipment has been used, some of which the clubs have paid for, others that the state has
provided. Sometimes it is necessary to continue to call and persevere in making the right connections. In the end, this pays
off as the evidence will see. I’m probably leaving a lot of the specific details out of this, but the fact of the matter is that
both the bird field and the puppy courses have been greatly improved. I personally noted the better visibility in the
spring/early summer. It is easier to see the dogs working, something that is important for not only the judges and the
handlers, but for those who really seek to understand this sport better. From listening to Bob, I guess years ago that the
gallery could all stand together and observe the dogs work. At our Fall Field Trial many people commented on the great
grounds work effort. This spring, that will be even more noticeable once we get in there and do some more cutting and
cleaning, removing the limbs etc. from this winter, something we should plan for soon. The state has agreed to plant some
seed, we’ll work to keep the ferns down, etc., and the puppy course will be much kinder to pups as well as for anxious
owners who are very new to field trialing. Personally, and as an aside I feel that the puppy course is very important. This
is where the sport of field trialing is often introduced to many families for the very first time, when a brand new puppy
owner enters just to see what it is all about. Not to say seasoned trialers don’t enjoy getting out there too. If we hope for a
future in this sport, all generations should learn about it in a positive way, and improving the puppy course will go along
way in towards that hope. I have a feeling Bob and Frank would really like that!
This project has the potential to be ongoing for awhile yet Bob has revealed several unused areas on the field trial
grounds that are absolutely perfect for Hunt Tests and more which were used in the past. With other clubs beginning to
notice what is occurring here, the possibility also exists to make the grounds available to other like minded clubs. We’ll be
talking about this a lot at the members meeting, where we hope to see you all!
Respectfully Submitted, Ann H. Short
DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is published @four times a year by the Central Maine Brittany Club. Opinions expressed in articles and editorials are not necessarily
those of CMBC. Advertisements, litter announcements and show win brags do not constitute club endorsement. The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any material.
Page 13 of 13
Your Dog Ate WHAT?
Sandy Robins is an award-winning pet lifestyle writer. Her work appears in various national and international publications. She is a
member of the Dog Writers Association of America and the Cat Writers Association of America. Note: This article was recently
distributed via email in the HomeAgain monthly newsletter. http://petid.homeagain.com/2010Newsletters/February/your-dog-atewhat.aspx?utm_source=HomeAgain_Newsletters&utm_medium=email&utm_content=FSE_lead1&utm_campaign=Feb10_HA_New
sletter
Avoid Dog Poisoning with a Room-by-Room Safety Check
There is a humorous take on the very serious matter of dog poisoning in a TV commercial featuring a bulldog on an operating table
at the veterinarian’s office. The dog has swallowed something and the owner is urging the vet to remove it. The commercial is
funny, because the owner isn’t worried about foods poisonous to dogs—he’s worried because the dog has swallowed a cell phone and
he’s worried about the cost of the call. Could this scenario really happen? You bet it could!
In fact, it’s amazing what pets have been known to ingest, from cell phones and TV remote controls to light bulbs, batteries,
and even diamond rings. Owners need to beware because many foods and plants are poisonous to dogs.
When your dog starts munching on books, digesting everything between the covers, tearing apart items left in the laundry
basket, and gnawing on the leg of the dining room table, it’s a red flag that he’s bored and lonely.
Accidents happen quickly, and dog poisoning can occur right under your nose. Regular security checks throughout your
home can help make certain there’s nothing within your dog’s reach that could endanger his safety and well-being.
Here are some pointers to help you write up your own room-by-room safety checklist:
Kitchen Antics—Avoid Foods that are Poisonous to Dogs
It’s a good idea to put childproof locks on all below-counter cupboards to ensure your curious canine can’t gain access to household
cleaning materials, laundry detergents, and insecticides. Never leave plastic shopping bags lying around.
Some foods are poisonous to dogs, too. Chocolate is highly dangerous for pets. Don’t leave any candy bars lying around on
the couch or coffee table ever and be careful with apricots and rhubarb. While not always fatal, they are another two foods that are
poisonous to dogs. If your dog does happen to eat something he shouldn’t, remember that you can rely on your HomeAgain
membership services for help. Call the HomeAgain Pet Emergency Medical Hotline, 1-888-HOMEAGAIN (466-3242) prompt 2, for
crisis advice from licensed ASPCA veterinarians.
Bathroom Habits—Everyday Products Can Cause Dog Poisoning
Keep all toiletry items and medications under lock and key. Make a habit of putting toilet lids down, especially if you use bleach or
cleaning products. Never leave razors, blades, small scissors, or tweezers accessible on the vanity top.
Some products may be hazardous if they contain some of the plants poisonous to dogs, including lily of the valley, azalea, hydrangea,
or hyacinth.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
In addition to dog poisoning, owners needs to be aware of electrical hazards, too. Keep electrical cords for lamps and appliances
secured behind furniture or make them otherwise inaccessible to your dog. Where possible, place computer wires in a hard conduit
and glue it to the wall or floor. Your dog is more likely to get to wires if they are dangling free. Chewing cables not only causes
mouth burns, but can also cause your dog to electrocute himself, and even set the home on fire.
Never leave candles burning while you are out. Dogs can knock them with an indiscriminate sweep of the tail, and if fancy
candles include any of the plants that are poisonous to dogs, they may attract them with their scents.
Finally, check to see that any decorative houseplants you have are non-toxic. You can find a comprehensive list of plants that are
poisonous to dogs at www.ASPCA.org.
Distraction Tactics
If your dog is home alone for lengthy periods and you’re unable to send him to doggy day care, start his day with a brisk walk.
Exercise is not only essential to his well-being, but will also tire him out. You’ll be able to leave him snoozing when you say goodbye
for the day. Make sure he has a varied selection of toys to keep him busy while you’re away. Dogs enjoy “distraction toys” that can
be stuffed with treats or peanut butter. You can also set up hide-and-seek games for him by concealing toys and treats in various
places for him to nose out and enjoy. It’s also a good idea to leave the TV or radio on so he won’t feel quite so alone.
Let’s face it, there’s nothing like coming home to a welcoming dog—and a house that’s intact, along with everything in it.
Remember to submit your articles, blogs, photos, etc. in a timely matter for the next newsletter. All contributions welcomed!