More About the APHIS Rules, Show Results, ALAC National Specialty

“It's funny. All you have to do is say something nobody understands and they'll do practically anything you want them to.” ~ J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

More About the APHIS Rules

"Confusion" seems to be the key word when it comes to dog breeders—well actually cat and other animal breeders also—understanding the intricacies of the new APHIS rules that will go into effect in a couple of months. (By the way, APHIS is part of the United States Department of Agriculture. The acronym stands for "Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.") A recent conference call during which APHIS representatives attempted to answer sincere questions from breeders hoping to get some much needed clarification resulted in frustration, confusion, and more (unaswered) questions.

Can anyone say, "intentionally vague?"

"Before I came here, I was confused about this subject. Having listened to your lecture, I am still confused -- but on a higher level.” ~ Enrico Fermi

Today I am sharing some links regarding the new rules, just to keep you up to date. Those of you who are pet owners, not breeders, may think this ruling has nothing to do with you and others like you, but it does. The intent of those behind the drive for these new rules is to eliminate dog breeders, not just "puppy mills"  but all breeders. Where  are you going to get your next dog when we're all gone?

So, read on folks, and think about it.

I'll begin with a link to the September 18th "Read Between the lines - USDA Conference Call" posting on the Time 4 Dogs blog. This clever article says it all. It's a good insightful read.

If you go to http://tinyurl.com/nyb4s5g you can get a pdf of the actual transcript of the conference call.

The Sportsmen's and Animal Owners'Voting Alliance (SAOVA) posted the following article to its blog: APHIS Final Rule Revising Pet Seller Exemptions and You

AKC provided information in a "Frequently Asked Questions" format.

Intentionally vague rules and intentionally vague responses to concerned breeders' questions are scary. They leave a lot of issues open to "interpretation" that most of us are pretty sure will not be "interpreted" in favor of the breeder.

Show Results

Windy and I went to shows last weekend in Rochester, MN. The results were not good for us. She decided she did not want to show. The only one in her 12-18 month class, she let me know in no uncertain terms that she did not want to be there. Tail down, skittish. Then we went into the Winners class and she showed like a dream. Unfortunately, first impressions seemed to be the lasting ones.

I guess she does not like being in the ring by herself. 

However, there was good news for my friends whose dogs actually acted like show dogs. Karen's Secret took the major both days. Marsha's 11-month old male, Reece, took the major on Saturday and also placed first in the Non-Sporting puppy group. Her female, Happy, took RWB on Saturday.

ALAC National Specialty

October is the month members of the American Lhasa Apso Club target for the club's National Specialty Week. This year the Specialty takes place in Sacramento, CA, from Monday, October 21 through Friday, October 25. The site of the Specialty is the Clarion Inn Arden Conference Center. Activities include shows on Monday, Thursday, and Friday. Tuesday ALAC's Breeder Education Committee sponsors a presentation by Myra Savant Harris, followed by the judging of ALAC's Top 20 Lhasas. Obedience and Rally events take place on Wednesday, as do the Futurity/Maturity and Cut Down Sweepstakes judging.  Judges during the week are Janet Allen, Mary Lou Just, Cindy Butsic, Sherry Swanson, and Barbara Dempsey Alderman. If you live close to Sacramento, you should consider going. There will be many gorgeous Lhasas there for you to see.

P.S. You'll be able to read the flyer if you click on it.

Baby Pictures

Little girl

Little boy

Keep your chin up, think positive thought, and kiss your Lhasa!

Life is better when you have a Lhasa to love you!

Joyce

Oh...and here is an interesting picture of a weird mushroom found in our yard. Looks like a stack of pancakes!