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The Dog Fancy Gives Back

Several dog show people gathered at Oakville Senior Citizens Residence last Thursday evening. This residence consist of two high rise buildings and has lovely facilities for the seniors.  We all gathered in the dining room that was adjacent to a lovely sitting area.  I was amazed at how many of the residents turned out to see our little "Meet and Greet the Dogs".  They had taped off a circle for our make believe show ring.  They had a small table in the middle of the circle for the small dogs to be displayed on.  The residents sat in a circle around us.

Wendy Davis, Jane and Caroline Holicka, Mary and Maria Mateljan, Brook Sillaby, Rhonda Smith Giannini, Rebecca Stanley

and Heather Brennan were the presenters of their dogs.  We all have Heather Brennan for organizing this event with Susan Bird, the Activities Coordinator at the Residence.  

Each of us took a turn going into the "show ring" and telling the seniors about our dogs.  We explained about their origins, what they should look like and if they had a trick, we made sure to show it. There were Havenese, German Shorthair Pointer, Golden Retreiver, Chinese Crested, Bermese Mountain Dog, Cocker Spaniel, Standard Wirehaired Dachshund and a Chihuahua. 

The Chihuahua is our boy.  He is fabulous in every way, even his blind left eye.  He has a permanent stink eye expression.  When we were introducing him, Lyle stood up with us to show the people that he also does the stink eye.  Oscar was a huge hit like he always is everywhere we go.  Even at the shows, Oscar has a special bed that is on top of the crates in our set up.  With the beautiful dachshunds at our set up, people will go straight for Oscar.  He loves everyone and can't get enough attention.  I have even seen

big, strapping teen-aged boys turn to mush when I hand them over to them to hold.

When we went there that night, we didn't expect for Oscar to be

offered a job.  As it turns out, the Residents initials spelled out the acronym OSCR which they pronounce, Oscar.  Susan Bird, approached me about Oscar being the Resident Mascot.  Oscar was very  flattered and accepted the role and he has already made plans to update his wardrobe.  He wants to visit at least once per month and just be a part of the Senior's day.  His only holdup is that I must get a criminal background check, first.  I will be taking care of that this week.

I hope that each of you will find a way to give back to your community with your dogs.  Ask around.  There are nursing homes, schools, hospitals, senior rec centres, just to mention a few.  Lyle and I left that night feeling very blessed to have such sweet dogs and so honored to have spent the evening with other wonderful dog people.  We finished our evening talking and laughing about the event and how much we loved it.

Sur

Here are the results of our last Dog Fancy Survey.  Thanks so much for taking the time to complete the survey.  I will be sending the results to the CKC, so they will know what's on our minds.

 DOG FANCY SURVEY # 2

1)  How many times per month do you show your dog? (This would be individual shows, not weekends.

Once -  12.09%

Twice - 13.19%

Three - 21.98%

Four -   14.29%

Five -     3.30%

Six -       8.79%

Other -  26.37%

The 25.84% that answered “Other” stated that their answers were based on if they had a dog at the time ready to show or if there were specialties to attend.

2)  Are you a?

                                                               Breeder -  5.49%

                                                               Breeder/Owner Handler - 59.34%

                                                               Owner Handler - 16.48%

                                                               Professional Handler - 3.30%

                                                               Junior Handler - 0%

                                                               Breeder/Owner hires Professional Hander - 15.38%

3)  How much do you spend for a show weekend on average? Consider travel expense, hotel/motel, RV lot rent, entry fees, food and handler fees.

                                                               $100 -   5.56%

                                                               $200 - 14.44%

                                                               $300 - 17.78%

                                                               $400 -  23.33%

                                                               $500 -  11.11%

                                                               $600 -  10.00%

                                                               More than $600 - 17.78%

4)  How many average kilometers do you travel to a show?

                                                               Less than 100 km - 6.74%

                                                               101 - 200 km - 42.70%

                                                                201 - 300 km - 25.84%

                                                                More than 300 km - 24.72%

5)  Are you a dog related business or hobby breeder?     

                                                                Business - 7.06%

                                                                Hobby -    92.94%

6)  How do you advertise puppies for sale? 

                                                                 Newspaper - 1.41% 

                                                                 Kijiji - 12.68%

                                                                 Craig's List - 0.00%

                                                                 Facebook - 21.13%

                                                                 Webpage - 53.52%

                                                                 Dog Shows - 11.27%

                                                                 Word of Mouth -  87.32%

7)  Would you like to see a discount for multiple dog entries in dog events?

                                                                 YES - 92.13%

                                                                  NO -     7.87%

8)  Do you think dog events could be more spectator friendly?

                                                                  YES - 94.51%

                                                                  NO -     5.49%

9)  Would you like to have more benched shows?

                                                                 YES -  45.56%

                                                                 NO -    54.44%

10)  Would you be interested in sponsoring a junior handler if you got discounted entry fees for yourself and the junior?

                                                                 YES - 61.36%

                                                                 NO -   38.64%

Be sure to go to Canuck Dogs, http://www.canuckdogs.com, to see all the upcoming events and to check stats.  You should  bookmark it.  That's where you will find my blog. 

                                                                     XXXOOO