NNASC Newsletters for 2008

January, 2008
Northern Nevada Australian Shepherd Club Newsletter
By: Cynthia Kennedy, President

WHAT’S WIGGLIN'
Hello Wigglers! Have you recovered from the caucuses? I think the Democrats and Republicans could both learn a lot about running events from dog show people. In the meantime, we have a lot of our own events already on the calendar, and you'll read about them later on in the newsletter.
We will be meeting Tuesday, Jan. 29th, at Best Little Pet House, at 6:30pm. Best Little Pet House is the grooming parlor owned by club member, Sherry Roach. It’s located at 1870 Vassar St. #5, Reno, 327-4458. It’s on the south side of Vassar, between Channel 4's studios and the big post office. Awhile ago we decided to have regular meetings on the last Tuesday of the month, and to alternate between Reno and Carson City/Minden. We'll decide where we'll meet in February at the meeting.

November 26, 2007 Meeting
We met at Best Little Pet House and started at 6:50pm, nine were present. President Katrina Anderson brought the meeting to order and we started by discussing activities we could have in 2008. It was proposed to have an agility fun match at Fuji Park if 4 Paws was having their conformation match in March. Carrie Dempsey said she'd find out what 4 Paws was planning. In July, for Dog Days of Summer, well have an obedience and rally match and do CGC testing. For future obedience trials, we will contact Christopher O'Connell to find out if he'll judge for us. He judged rally at Bonanza’s show & everyone liked him.
2008 ASCA Nationals: There was a discussion of the obedience pre-trial we've been asked to do. Carrie Dempsey and Portia Jelinek definitely want to do it. Cari Carlson gave us a report on her tour of South Point Casino, where the Nationals are being held, and told us it’s going to be a super place for the event. She greatly encouraged us to take on the trial. Cynthia Kennedy was very cautious about the financial aspects. She made a motion that Carrie talk with S. Nevada Aussie, the host club, and get a definite run-down on what the expenses would be, and that club not be in a position to lose more than $500 on the pre-trial. Katrina seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Club Christmas Party: Ginger Firestone volunteered to have the party at her house, Dec. 22nd. People were reminded that they should renew their membership at the meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: Carrie Dempsey said we have $2,537.45 in our account.

Nominations: The last item of business on the agenda was nominations of officers and board members for 2008. The nominations were as follows:
Cynthia Kennedy - President
Portia Jelinek - Vice President
Carrie Dempsey - Treasurer
Secretary - Melissa Lamoureaux
Board Members - Ginger Firestone, Sherry Roach and Shawn Rohan

With that, the meeting adjourned at 8:30pm and we all stayed another hour to watch Sherry and Katrina give grooming demonstrations. We all greatly enjoyed the grooming tips and techniques, and I’m sure, Melissa and Ginger were very pleased that their dogs received free make-overs!
Thank you very much for hosting us, Sherry!!

December 22nd, 2007 Meeting & Christmas Party
   Once again, we had a lovely Christmas Party. This time it was at Ginger Firestone’s gorgeous house in Gardnerville. After we all had a drink and some appetizers, we had a “short” meeting starting at 4:35. This would have been Katrina’s last meeting over which to preside, but she was unable to attend as she had a very sick puppy, so Cynthia took the reins a month early.
   We hadn't discussed our May ASCA show at the Douglas County Fairgrounds at our last meeting as we still didn't have information about renting the facility. Ginger had the information now, and Kathy Givens will find out the logistics of using this place for future shows.
2008 ASCA Nationals: Portia had a telephone meeting with Becci of S. Nevada Aussie Club about our costs. We will be charged $500 for the 2 obedience rings for our pre-trail, which includes baby gates. Our other expenses will be judges, awards, ribbons and advertising. Portia and Carrie’s other halves, Dave & Mark, will Steward. It was discussed that we charge $25 for pre-entries and $35 day of. We’ll have 8 placings, and awards 1st-4th. Carrie tried to contact Chris O’Connell to judge, but his e-mail didn’t work. We will try to hire local judges.
   Cari Carlson told us that one would get preferential stall locations at the Nationals if they joined the Southern Nevada Aussie Club. Their membership is $10, and should be mailed to Nancy Beckerbauer, 1852 Tremolite Ave., Las Vegas NV 89123. If you want to find out more about the Nationals, go to http://vegasnationals.com
Elections: Ballots weren't necessary as no one was running for office opposed. Cynthia Kennedy: President, Portia Jelinek: Vice President, Carrie Dempsey: Treasurer, Secretary: Melissa Lamoureaux, and Board Members: Ginger Firestone, Sherry Roach and Shawn Rohan, were elected by unanimous vote.
   We greatly needed someone to update our website, and Deborah White responded to the call. She will receive a free membership for her efforts. Since the meeting, the domain name has been secured for the next five years for $90.
Membership Renewal: Most partyers got out their checkbooks and renewed at the party. If you haven't, please do. Single is $15, Family $20. Send your check to Carrie Dempsey, at 4935 August Dr., Carson City NV 89706. You don't have to have an Australian Shepherd to join the club, and you don't have to join ASCA. I would be happy to fax a membership form to you. Just all me at 847-9847.
   Kathy Port told everyone about her son Jason’s new website http://shammiesworld.com/
I've visited this site, and it’s a very nice one, all kinds of dog stuff, with cute graphics.
   It was then 5:30pm and everyone was ready to eat and party. We adjourned to turkey and ham, Mark’s Delicious artichoke casserole spread, and lots of other goodies. We had a lot of stealing and conniving during the gift exchange, and became absolutely giddy during Portia’s “What’s In The Bag?” game. This was a very creative contest & everyone was stumped over the lumpy objects whose identity (all related to dogs) we had to guess through the brown paper. Then, we had our favorite - Doggy Bingo (or as Patrick insisted we call it, “Dingo” )!!! There’s just something about Aussie people - they are wild and rabid over games.

We are so grateful to Ginger for having us to her house. We all enjoyed the tour and have a new appreciation of her talents with needlework and art.

Affiliate Report
It was time for us to send our activities of the last year to the “Aussie Times” for the March/April Issue, so here’s the report. In it, you'll read of the events we added to our calendar for this spring/summer. Most exciting, is that Lin Battaglia gave us a weekend she had reserved at Fuji Park in June. She is not able to use it, and gave it to us with the proviso that we give it back if her calendar changes. We now have June 20-22 for our 16th Annual High Sierra Summer Classic! The use of Douglas County Fairgrounds has been put on hold for now.

Northern Nevada Australian Shepherd Club
Cynthia Kennedy, President and Affiliate Representative
“Howdy,” and a BIG Wiggle from the Northern Nevada Australian Shepherd Club. The past year was a rather quiet one for our group as far as activities. I think we were saving our energy for 2008, as we definitely have a lot of “irons in the fire.” We did have a weekend of four ASCA obedience trials in July, and want to congratulate Carrie Dempsey and Taylor Creek Third Times the Charm “Tres” and Cynthia Kennedy and Rigel Rarebeastie on earning their Companion Dog titles. Several other members’ dogs had rally obedience achievements this year: Ginger Firestone and True Colors Freeze Frame “Tux”earned his RE four months before his second birthday! BR Howdy Pardner’s Dance Fever “Pardner,” owned by Irene Blodgett, also added RE to his name. In the agility field, Bear Mtn’s Rowdy Rarebeastie, handled by Patrick & Cynthia Kennedy, captured his C-ATCH.
   The club lost three incredible dogs this year, and the loss was devastating for all who knew them. Bright Eyes Apache Tear, “Patty,” who partnered with Katrina Anderson, lost her fight to cancer. Patty was Katrina’s first agility dog, and also her “heartdog.” The one litter she had, produced the outstanding Ch. Crystal Peaks Lacy Citrine. Patty was taken way before her time, but the courage she showed in her fight for life inspired us all. Shortly before her death, Patty was awarded a “Would-Be NATCH” as she was only 1 jumpers leg away from the title, and came so close many times; in reality she had earned the award.
   U-Ch. Taylor Creek’s Guardian Angel “Gabriel,” left Carrie and Mark Dempsey. He became suddenly very ill, and in less than a day was gone. In the prime of his life, Gabriel was known to many as the handsome blue merle dog with the white leonine mane. He had a fine career in conformation and performance, and earned many titles in ASCA, NADAC, USDAA, AKC, and CPE. This was such a shock for Carrie and Mark, as only last year they lost Gabriel’s mother, Taylor Creek Bailey’s Irish Cream.
   Rigel Rarebeastie was the little rescue dog that soared to great heights in the four short years that Patrick and Cynthia Kennedy were able to share with him. Number 1 in Open Jumpers, and #9 in Open Gamblers on the ASCA Merit List, he had a great agility career going and was also doing well in obedience. He was instantly killed by a car when he chased a coyote at great distance while on a hike. The Kennedys were numb with grief, and could not believe this turn of fate. The club sincerely hopes that 2008 brings only joy and no tears.

We added a few new members to the club when Crystal Peak Australian Shepherds, owned by Katrina Anderson and Sherry Roach welcomed two litters by Ch. Mandolyns Shake & Jake, out of their girls, U-Ch. Crystal Peaks Lacy Citrine, and Crystal Peaks Lapis Lazuli. We will definitely see these puppies in the show ring! Our new club Secretary, Melissa Lamoureaux scooped a red boy from Lacy’s litter. From a different breeding, Vice President Portia Jelinek welcomed Brebeau's Isabul Pippen Scotti, “Pippen” to her family. Mike and Kathy Givens are excited to start training two new boys they got this fall. Louie, a year old black tri, and Riot, a 5 month old red tri. ‘Riot was added to our ample pack after the death of the Kennedy’s red-tri Rigel, who was a very special and accomplished aussie, so dear to our hearts.’ (Note: Kathy rescued and adopted out several hundred more Aussies and Border Collies this year through her efforts. Check out her website at aussiebcrescue.com) Patrick and Cynthia Kennedy adopted a 4 year old red tri rescue and named her Relevee’ Rarebeastie. She is enjoying life with the “Beastie Boys.”
Five ASCA shows/trial are on our schedule for this year, and we hope you'll put them on your calendar and join us:
- April 19-20 FOUR ASCA All-breed Obedience trials in one weekend at Fuji Park, Carson City,NV (NADAC agility trial being held at same location contact: www. mdt-agilityability.com)
- April 26-27 FOUR ASCA All-breed Obedience trials in one weekend at the 3/4 Circle H Ranch, Gardnerville, NV (ASCA herding trial being held at same location thru Working ASC of NV)
- May 10-11 FOUR ASCA All-breed Obedience trials in one weekend at Fuji Park, Carson City, NV (USDAA agility trial being held at same location contact: www.quicksilveragility.org )
- June 20-22 16th Annual High Sierra Summer Classic. Three days of ASCA agility, four ASCA Obedience trials & two days of ASCA Conformation at Fuji Park in beautiful Carson City, NV
- November 11, 2008 ASCA Nationals Obedience Pre-trial. Look for our premium in the May/June issue of the “Aussie Times.”
For information on all trials and shows, contact Carrie Dempsey at QACarrie@charter.net, 775-883-7651 or 4935 August Dr, Carson City, NV 89706. You can also check our website: nnasc.com We hope to see you in northern Nevada this spring/summer, and later in the year in Las Vegas for our pre-trial. Happy Waggin' Tails!

News & Brags
From Kathy Port: Truecolorswolfman Jack “Howler” got his novice rally title in 2007. This was a feat as he is hard to control being a stud.. He is now working in training in agility..Kira I am retiring due to her size from thyroid. She has all her titles in novice and some in open. Baron will be semi retired depending on his rear leg. He keeps re injuring. So I will be bringing out two new dogs this session, Truecolors Diamond Lil “Lilly,” and Howler, both Kira pups.

Obedience News from ASCA: As you all may know, ASCA obedience has adopted mixed order exercises for Open B and Utility B effective 1/1/08. If you are a member of an affiliate, PLEASE make sure the show secretary and/or the person who hires the judges knows of this change. In the case of using AKC judges, please make sure the judge realizes that our mixed bag is different than AKC's. I will be uploading placards to this site. You can sign onto Yahoogroups, go to files and view/download them from there. I would suggest you do that and please, please, please, spread the word of these changes. I'm hopeful that the BO will get the info out as well, but if they don't, the more help we can provide the better off everyone will be!! Thanks!!! Mary

HA=HA’s Annual Super Bowl Sunday Agility Match: This first quarterly meeting and Agility Fun Runs will be on February 3, 2008, starting around 10:00AM.Once again, we have rented the big covered arena (Rocking J Arena) in Washoe Valley. There will be a short meeting and then we'll have Agility Fun Runs until about 2:00PM. The club will provide finger foods, beverages, and a warming heater. Dress warmly and provide warm shelters for your dogs. And as usual, your family and/or guests with their dogs are always welcome. Other business here, includes “dues are due” $15.00 for a annual membership renewal and $20.00 for a new membership. Membership Applications will be available, see me, Mike Fish. Cindi Paugh will be collecting dues on site or you may mail your dues to her at 237 Clay St. #E, Reno, NV 89501. Questions; contact any of your board members Pat Conatser-Pres, Melissa Hardy-Vice, Stephanie Bohl-Sec, Cindi Paugh-Tre, Joanna Ambroz & Mike Fish-Board. Mike <'(((><

From Carla Popeney: Happy New Year to you and yours! Yes, I did get an agility course for Christmas and a new house and an acre and a half property to put my agility equipment on in Fallon. I have been hosting “Play and Practice Wednesdays” at my house since October ~ with local Fallonites and even some Fernley folks coming to use my equipment. Have met a lot of really nice people and their dogs...we will be starting classes this year in agility. I live in Fallon now...a free woman with five Border Collies and a new litter of pups. The litter is a smooth coated high drive striving bunch of black and white. You can list the litter for sale if you'd like. Four males and one female. Keep me on your distribution list, okay? See you next time. Carla Popeney, Blackwatch Border Collies, 3943 Red Wing Court, Fallon, Nv 89406 775-867-5911 herdnk9bc

BOOK REVIEW: Shaping Success, The Education of an Unlikely Champion, By: Susan Garrett
$24.95pb, 246 pgs, from Clean Run Productions.
With everyone getting puppies I thought you’d like to know about this book. It’s a real gem and full of things you can teach your pup before you get near any agility equipment. Written in a well-constructed style, you’ll learn a lot of fun games that will teach your dog obedience and how to channel his/her energy in a positive way. Drive, sits, recalls and toy play make up the first quarter of the book, segueing into introductions to the various pieces of agility equipment. This is a good “bible” for laying a solid foundation for agility on your puppy’s blank canvas. The information is great for training adult dogs, too. The book is written in a diary format, and you'll share the highs and lows as Susan trains her hyper-high drive BC, Buzz.

That’s all for now, Wigglers.
Hope to see you next Tuesday, Jan. 29th, at 6:30pm at our meeting. Please put it on your calendars. When the weather gets better, we’ll plan some activities with our dogs. I’m waiting to hear TMDTC’s monthly match schedule. When I do, I’ll pass it on. Do e-mail me with any news.
- Cynthia

page last updated April 08, 2008