What an exciting milestone in the maturation of the UWSC! The devoted members of this still relatively small team have proven they can put on a good show at a whole new level. Entering this project confident of a solid and experienced team from years of specialty show management, they demonstrated well that they will meet whatever challenge presented to them. It wasn’t without its glitches, but fortunately those produced more laughs than frustrations.

Not all aspects of hosting a show are controllable however, and we are very thankful to have absolutely PERFECT weather! In this wettest of summers, the only blues to be had were blue skies. All of the responses I’ve received since the show have been very positive and I am proud to quote Rose Ann Gould of Battle Creek (owner of a stunning APBTS) who sent us the following message:

In two rings we had:

We were especially proud to be able to make available the Total Dog Award, but unfortunately none of the dogs earned it this time. The UWSC is very committed to the Total Dog and will continue to make this award available at future shows.

As with all efforts, there are inevitable lessons to be learned, glitches, and fun memories. One interesting lesson from this show concerned the length of grass in the obedience ring. It is easy to overlook the fact that full-grown dogs in some breeds are smaller than the toys of our White Shepherds, and thus the lawn must be mowed proportionately. We feel terrible for the Papillon that had to bury it’s face in the grass in order to pick up the dumbbell in the obedience ring. We will be sure to bring a lawn mower to future events.

The "Most Memorable Gaff Award" goes to our ring steward for Best of Show. We take pride in the beautiful rosettes and trophies we gave to the winners, but we came very close to giving an unplanned bonus prize. As the Judge was making her BOS pick, the ring steward picked up the last remaining items on the prize table and entered the ring. A beautiful trophy, a huge rosette, but what could be in that pretty purple case?

As I watched ringside, I was perplexed at what could be so important that Jean Reeves would step out of line from her posed Pug while the Judge was making her BOS selection. What could be so important that she would risk her chances of winning Best of Show to talk to the ring steward?

"No _____, No _____ That’s all the money from the show" she exhorted! WE NEARLY GAVE AWAY THE MONEY BOX !! I give special thanks to our blushing ring steward for providing good material for this article. And thanks to Jean for being alert, and the show did produce a net gain for the treasury.

While I’m on the subject of thanks, recognition is due. Jean Reeves hosted the show and her efforts are routinely so large and so well done that the rest of us may not realize just how much she does and how well she does it. Thank you Jean!

Thanks also to Jacki Wheeler for taking on the huge job of show secretary, to Cheryl Lyons for organizing the awards; to Chris Maluzhinsky for her work as Obedience chairman and table steward; to our stewards - Arleen Ravenelli, Tim Reiber, Becky Joyce, and Diana Updike; Laura Zipay for running the raffle; and to Cathy Price for providing the jumps for the obedience ring.

Special recognition goes to our new UKC Grand Champion - Royal Ghost - owned by Tim Reiber and bred by Jean Reeves. Ghost won Champion/BOB/Herding Group 1^st place and also Champion/BOB in the White Shepherd Specialty show. Congratualtions Tim and Ghost for a great show and earning U-GRCH!

I feel compelled to take a moment to thank all members of the UWSC for helping me to learn and grow as a lover of White Shepherds. I have only been involved with this breed for 3 years now, but so many of you welcomed me into your world and helped me to understand what it is all about. You’ve been patient and helpful as I’ve progressed to where you have entrusted me with these new roles as your VP and PR chair. I’m truly humbled and eager to serve you all.

My primary responsibility as PR Chair is right here in Bloodlines. I will be coordinating the articles of others more than I write personally, and I am eager to begin working with all willing to give of their knowledge and experience.

Performance is not only a high priority to the UKC and the UWSC, but it was a passion to Judy Huston, whom I inherited this role from. I will continue on the track she’s laid and seek to emphasize performance in each month’s article. Truly everything that could be written about this breed is ultimately founded upon their uniquely diverse abilities and instincts.

In upcoming issues you can look for topics such as:

But not all 12 issues are planned yet and I am anxious to work with more members of the club and other experts in the dog world to bring a continuous flow of educational and enjoyable content to BLOODLINES on behalf of the United White Shepherd Club.

United White Shepherd Club members are available to answer any questions you may have about this club or the White Shepherd breed.

Denise Menke, President, (516) 698-3803, LoveBeaDog@aol.com.