As a member club we are entitled to send a delegate to the 2012 ACoD to be held March 24/25 in Cary, NC. I am not able to make the trip but we could send someone else as a voting delegate (does not have to be a club member) if the club wants to be represented in ASFA business.

There will be an ASFA Regional meeting at the TPIHC ASFA trial at Argus Ranch on Sunday, March 4th. I will be attending this meeting as the WWWA delegate. Please let me know if you have any issues you’d like me to present on the club’s behalf at the meeting.

-submitted by Beth Levine, WWWA ASFA delegate

ASFA COMMUNIQUE – 2012.01, January 2012

A very Happy New Year to one and all and here’s to a very successful 2012 for all clubs, hounds and participants.

New Membership Chair

As you may recall from the last “Communiqué” the long time Chair of the ASFA Membership Committee, Vickie Jacobs, had decided to pass along the position of Chair.  A search committee consisting of Russ Jacobs, Josie Haumont and Ping Pirrung has completed the task of finding a person to fill Vickie’s very big boots.  We had several qualified people volunteer for the position and we thank all of them for offering their expertise.  After review of all the great attributes of all, we are pleased to announce the new Chair of the Membership Committee: Scott Miller from Ogdensburg, NJ.  Vickie and he are in the process of making the transition and expect it to be complete by the time your club is ready for its renewal this year.

Scott’s contact information is:

Scott Miller
60 Cork Hill Road
Ogdensburg, NJ 07439
E-mail: membership@asfa.org
Phone:  585-967-5855

2012 ACoD

This year’s ACoD is to be held March 24th and 25th at the Embassy Suites Hotel in the Research Triangle of Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina.  We hope your club will be sending delegates.

You recently received information on registering for the ACoD.  The deadline for sending in your registration is February 20th.  That is the same deadline as making a reservation for a room to be able to take advantage of the reduced rate.  These rates are good through Sunday night.

There is additional information regarding the ACoD on the ASFA web site.  Those that register as delegates will receive additional information after the registrations close.

This year is an election year and you will be voting on the Board positions of President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Recording Secretary and Corresponding Secretary.  The bios of those nominated for the positions by the nominating committee were included in the last Communiqué.

Rule Changes taking effect January 1, 2012

To paraphrase:  The singles stake is now a regular stake which means it must be offered at all ASFA Field Trials except at Regional Invitationals, International Invitationals and Breed Specialty Trials.  Since it is a regular stake the entry for the stake cannot be limited in number.  You will still be able to limit the overall entry at a trial, but not just the single stake.

Along with the singles stake becoming a regular stake the ribbon to be awarded to the highest placing single shall be navy and gold at a regular ASFA Field Trial and light blue at Fun Trials.  Also those hounds competing in the Singles Stake are eligible to earn titles of TCP (Title of Coursing Proficiency) and CPX (Coursing Proficiency Excellent).  These titles are not available to hounds in the Limited Breeds.

Please be sure you distribute the “Communiqué” to your club’s members and we look forward to see you or your club’s delegate at the ACoD in March.

Jeffrey A. Lipps                             Ping Pirrung
President                                      Corresponding Secretary

Those who are already chairing a committee will want to present their budgets for the year at this meeting.  If you chair and cannot attend, please forward your budget and I will present it for a vote at the meeting on your behalf.  If there is a committee you want to chair or be a part of – please let me know!  Your participation in this club will determine how well things will run in the coming year so please think about what part you want to play in your club to support the events of the year.

Also – if you have any agenda items that will need to be addressed by the board or the club, please notify me in advance so that we can make sure it is on the agenda.

-submitted by Jeanette Dorsey, President

The Salukis now number four with Drachma being the oldest at 7 and Kumar at 5, Arrow at 2 and Shahira, Kumar’s daughter turned 1 in November. Bzantium had a really good year in 2011 with their Salukis co-owned/co-bred with Marilyn La Brache Brown, Dadaelis Salukis.

Multiple SBIS Am Grand Ch and Can Ch Dadaelis Bzantium Ritu Kumar, JC had a great year with limited showing. He was BOB at the Pacific Saluki Specialty, Canadian Saluki Club, BOB at the WWHA ASA supported entry, Award of Merit, Willamete Valley Saluki club Specialty Show, Award of Merit at the Arizona Specialty show, and Best Stud dog at the Saluki Club of America national show over 6 other entries, and Best Stud dog at the Willamete Valley Saluki Specialty show.

His son BISS Canadian Champion, “Mussa” was WD, BW,BOB at the All Hound Show and ends the year with 13pts and 3 majors. He also was BOB at the Canadian Aristrocratic Hound Assoc show. I co-own him with Kathy Jones and Claire Lane.

A daughter from his first litter, “Kalini,” Ch Dadaelis BzantiumZo’Mar Kalini finished her Ch this year with 3 majors.

From his second litter, son Samir (a Kumar mini me) and Shahira did very well from the Puppy classes. Samir was BOB from the puppy class at the Del Valle KC and won 2 majors in California in all breed shows. He has 7 points and 2 majors. Shahira was WB at the Saluki Club of Canada show and Best Puppy in Sweepstakes. Best Puppy at the WVSC. She has a 3pt major in the US towards her AKC CH also.

Arrow, a cream male that Chris and I co-own together, was WD at WVSC and Gig Harbor KC giving him 10 pts and 2 majors.

-submitted by Susie Manthou

I am so proud of the achievements of my two keepers from my Spring 2010 litter (CH Shamasan Hound Hill Cherokee, ARX, RN, PR-2 x CanCH Serendipity Skylark, FCH, TRPX, DPC, PR-2, SR, OTR) who made their debuts in the CWA program in the second half of 2011. In particular, Seven (Serendipity Hark The Lark) has performed beyond my wildest expectations! By the end of the year, after just three months of racing, she earned 10.5 (of the 15 required) ARX points towards her CWA racing championship. Living up to her dual purpose heritage, she did as well in the conformation matches as she did on the race track, consistently placing, and winning one match, to finish the requirements towards her Dual Purpose Champion title and finish the year in CWA’s top-10 conformation standings.

Her brother Jonah (Serendipity On A Lark), steadily improved his performance on the track, and has come close to the ARX points on several occasions. He and litter brother Hokum (Serendipity Malarkey at Whimsy, owned and loved by Mary Downing) also have CWA match placements to their credit, and Hokum is also pointed in the show ring.  Jonah is certified for lure coursing and will make his debut in the field in the spring of 2012. Seven will hit the field in earnest as soon as she finishes her ARX. Seven and Jonah are so far unshown in AKC/CKC competition but might make a few appearances in the show ring in 2012 on weekends they aren’t busy racing or lure coursing.

By far the highlight of the year was my trip to Milwaukee, WI over Labor Day weekend, to attend the CWA National with Seven. On Sunday she finished in the top 10 and earned the bottom ARX point in the toughest competition imaginable. To say I was proud of her is an understatement!

At six years old, Tiercel (Serendipity Nighthawk, FCH, ARX, DPCX, TRPX, PR-5, SRM, OTRM-2, CGC) has started to slow down a bit, but still enjoys getting out to the race meets and showing the youngsters how it is done. My most accomplished athlete to date, Tiercel has nothing left to prove and my only goal for him now is that he continue to enjoy racing and stay sound and healthy for as long as possible. If I had more time, I would love to do more obedience work with him and try for his CD, which is all he needs to qualify for his AWC Award of Versatility.

Lark (CanCH Serendipity Skylark, FCH, TRPX, DPC, PR-2, SR, OTR) sat out nearly all of 2011′s performance events by being either in season or in a false pregnancy. However, she did make a few select appearances in the show ring, and picked up another specialty reserve in June at the Cascade Hound Association under breeder judge Wendy Gay. Hopefully she’ll pick up the last singles she needs to finish her AKC championship in 2012!

On a sad note, I said goodbye to my beautiful and beloved foundation bitch, Wren (CanCH Priory HH Silver Lining, CD, FCH, OTRM, CGC, AV), who lost her short battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia at the end of May, a few months shy of her 14th birthday. Diagnosed in February on routine bloodwork, Wren was asymptomatic and had great quality of life for the next four months; she had one bad day in mid May, bounced back for a few weeks, and then finally went downhill very rapidly. I am grateful that she did not suffer a long time and was so decisive in letting me know when it was time to say goodbye. Wren was my first whippet and really set the bar high with her versatility, her beauty and athleticism,  and especially her sound and incredibly sensible temperament. She was a multiple group placer in the show ring, a High in Trial winner in the obedience ring, and a multiple top-10 placer on the race track. She proved her versatility in the whelping box too, with show, racing and lure coursing champion offspring to her credit from each of her two litters. It is a comfort that her legacy lives on in her beautiful, talented and athletic kids and grandkids who bring me and their owners such joy.

I am blessed by the continued good health and good cheer of the retirees here at Serendipity: 9 year old Ringer (CanCH HH Serendipity Eight Bells, LCM, TRP, DPC, SR, OTRM-2, CGC), 8 year old Kestrel (Serendipity Sparrowhawk, FCH, OTR, CGC), and newly retired Branwen (Shamasan Caerbannog, PR) who at 4 years old is young for a retiree, but she is an inconsistent runner and seems happiest at home, so I decided to stop competing with her and let her be a happy homebody.

-submitted by Beth Levine
Serendipity Whippets

March 17, 2011, seven little puppies were born. Shawna had asked if she could co-breed the litter and I had agreed. The puppies were beautiful, full of personality and vigor from birth. We had a great time with them, until Shawna had to move back to Canada. Puppies were all I did for the next six months, except a couple of judging assignments. My house hold was totally dedicated to the raising of puppies, including all of the other dogs. Jeanette Dorsey’s elderly bitch, Madeline, had lived here for four years. Until those babies came along, I thought she was ready to check out. She respected their Mom but in all other ways became their guardian and caretaker. Madeline lived another six months, largely (I believe) for those puppies. When they turned six months, she said “I’ve done my job and I’m ready to go now”.

Elliot also left this year, for a lovely home in Oregon. Wonderful people, but the man has some major health problems, so if anyone has some spare prayers, please pray for Tom and Paula.

I judged the Lower Mainland Whippet Association “Show-and-Go” , which is one of my favorite events and great fun! I judged the Puget Sound Borzoi Club Specialty show this summer, also great fun. Lots of nice dogs at both events.

Puppies finally reached the age of six months and off we went to our first shows. Tony (Lost Creek McKaden Saltimbanco) was WD at his first US show and WD at his second US show. He has four points, including a major. Chris Downing shows him for me when he is available. I showed him myself once, in Canada, and he won his class but was not considered beyond that. Sister Lola (Lost Creek McKaden Quidam) went to Canada, too, and has one very nice reserve and two Canadian points. Brother Dre (Lost Creek McKaden Drallion), who also lives here, is looking rather like a “pet” these days but is the nicest baby house dog I’ve ever met, so he is just hanging around, trying to grow up. The rest of the puppies mostly went to friends. Anne Herrett has an adorable little red brindle girl, Melissa Rundquist has an amazing red bitch, another red bitch lives with my boss. The final girl was Shawna’s pick and she did not turn out as expected but now lives a Gravy Life in Oregon with a super nice young man and her BFF Duke, a Chihuahua.

Marley is now twelve and a half and just started wearing P.J.s full time. Mariah is eleven and a half and doesn’t need P.J.s as she has her love to keep her warm. In other words, lots of well-padded roundness. I’m still working with no big plans to retire any time soon. I turned 65 and I’m trying to get used to that. I think I heard that 65 is the new 50…

Everyone have a lovely year in 2012!

(Sorry if this is too long, good thing I only do it once every few years.)

-submitted by Helen Brettell

Mojo (Nouvea’s Hoodo Mojo) earned his ASFA FC! Mojo also joins Hannah in the Juniors Ring.

“V” (Arwen Glamour You) finished her AKC Championship and was awarded a SBIS her first time out as a special! “V” is pointed in the field and we are hoping to earn her an AKC dual-championship title next year.

Rico (Whimsy’s Play Me A Tune) decided to finish his AKC Championship in style and earned his last point at the Eukanuba National Championship pre-shows in Florida. Every point including both majors were earned by the dynamic duo…Rico and Hannah his junior handler!

Hannah finished the year as the #1 Whippet Junior Handler within AKC. She received an invitation to Eukanuba and Westminster! Hannah, Rico and I made the long trip to Florida to attend Eukanuba where there were 159 juniors entered; a record setting entry! Rico and Hannah were flawless and managed to make two cuts earning her 30th place out of 159! Two of Hannah’s Northwest junior friends made it to the final 12; all of it was a great experience and very exciting!

2011 was a very exciting and fulfilling year! Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year!

-submitted by Heather Nichols

This exciting litter is by Am.Can.Ch.CounterPoint Jungle Drums and out of Am.Can.Ch.Lost Creek Smile Jamaica.

We look forward to 2012 as Christine Hopperstad and I have co-bred the lovely Tyche to Bongo and have a girl, who lives with Christine, ready to make her debut in March.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Murphy (Can.Ch.Whimsy’s Over The Moon) still sits on 14 AKC points. But to pass the time, he was box trained by the incomparable Canadian contingent led by Lorna Leinbach and started his running career. Along with his sister Can.Ch. Whimsy’s Lovin’ Spoonful and kennel mates Whimsy’s Twelfth of Never and Serendipity Malarkey at Whimsy, we go to Canada whenever possible and run with our CWA friends. All four are also coursing and have garnered some points towards an ASFA title.

On a sadder note, we said good-bye to our dear Tyler – at 14+, his body gave out. A week later our dear friends Bob and Deb Wilkins said good-bye to their little Schatzee. Schatzee was born somewhat compromised, but a real fighter, from our Bongo ex Jamaica litter mentioned above. A liver shunt ended her quality of life and they let her go shortly after Christmas.

Earlier in the year, Anne Jacobs’ first – Am.Can.Ch.Whimsy’s Hahnenkamm, FCh. – left us after 16+ yrs.

We welcomed a new addition this summer with the Truman son from Jeanette Dorsey’s litter – Peter. What a character – the apple didn’t fall far from the tree! He’ll be shown when mature and is a maniac on the bunny.

The rest of the crew: Bally, Truman, Murphy, Lovey, Jamaica, Sienna, Hokum and Peter and Chris/Chrissy’s Toby, Rupert, Tyra and Spirit wish each and everyone a peaceful and fun-filled 2012.

-submitted by Mary Downing
http://www.whimsywhippets.com
whimsywhippets@gmail.com

Our great ambassador is gone…

Tyler was over 14 years old and his body just gave out. His heart was still going strong, but the light was gone and life wasn’t any fun anymore. Our puppy-sitter, alarm clock and grand old man has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

We bred him and he started life as the companion for a lovely family. Registered as Whimsy’s Sweetpea from the first litter for Griffin and Monika whelped on Aug. 1st, 1997, he fulfilled his destiny as Foster, the family dog, for the Dettingers.

At 9.5 years old, when his family’s lifestyle changed, he returned to Whimsy and decided to stay here. We had a Foster, so he became Tyler.

He met everyone who came to the door and loved going for a ride or a walk. He was never crated and was always a gentlemen. He was too tall and had a wonky ear, neutered at 10 months, he never graced a show ring, never chased a ‘bunny’ but was a master companion and a great ambassador of our breed. Everyone who met him, loved him. He tolerated puppy antics and girls in season. He was the only one I could trust with the chickens, woke us every morning at 6:30 a.m., barked for his meals.

Enduring several surgeries for tumors on his leg, he bounced back and continued to enjoy life and his place in it.

But I guess the angels needed a dog to greet newcomers and we’ll have to muddle through without him. Sleep in peace, TyTy.

-submitted by Mary Downing

Here is a dues notice from Janis. Please return your form and dues payment by 12/31/2011. Please email Janis if you have any questions.

Remember, the club does have a paypal account. For your convenience, you may use the button below to pay your dues, but please remember to also fill out and email the dues notice to Janis so we can make sure your information is updated for the roster. FYI, the payment amounts listed for each membership type have been adjusted slightly to cover the paypal fees. You do not have to have a paypal account to pay your dues via paypal; you can use this button to pay via credit or debit card without a paypal account.

Membership type

Individual $26.05 Family $31.20

Board Meeting called to order by Peggy Hewes, President at 6:45 pm on 10/26/11 at Jonah’s in Bellevue, WA. In Attendance- Mary Downing, Peggy Hewes, Shirley Konizeski, David Cassell, Jeanette Dorsey,  Rob and Heather Nichols, Janis Castle.   Guest:  Hannah Nichols

Copies of constitution distributed to all board members.

Discussed policy questions by members:

• Due to the reduction of members of the club the club combined the recording secretary and secretary position and reduced the board by one member.
• Reviewed the constitution and officers required.  There was a suggestion that in 2012 there will be a committee formed to review the constitution by laws and standing rules.
• Signature sheets need to be on file for approval notification on electronic notifications of meeting notifications.
• The Constitution needs to be updated to include email, skype, and any online communication as a tool for board members.
• The Board will be reviewing our clubs registration with the State.  Our club has contacted the IRS and our club is registered with an IEN number.

Treasurer’s report:

• Finished 2010 with $5018.00  in checking and $815.61 in savings. The last bank statement was on 9/11/11 Checking was at $9637 and Savings at  $815.97.

Show committee is working on next years specialty details and judge selection.

Performance / Race Committee:

• There was a nice turn out for all the meets this fall.

Historian:

• No report…

Newsletter:

• No report…

Membership:

• No report…

Awards/Banquets:

• Please submit award applications by 1/25/2012
• If any members would like to sponsor an award please contact Jeanette Dorsey
• The WWWA Christmas party will be held on 12/11/11.

New Business

Next meeting will be on 12/11/11.

Meeting adjurned at 7:50.

General Membership Meeting

General Meeting called to order by Peggy Hewes, President at 7:55 pm on 10/26/11 at Jonah’s in Bellevue, Wa. In Attendance- Mary Downing, Peggy Hewes, Shirley Konizeski, David Cassell, Jeanette Dorsey,  Rob and Heather Nichols, Janis Castle.   Guest:  Hannah Nichols

Opened the floor for the 2012 slate:

• President:  Jeanette Dorsey
• Vice President:   Janis Castle
• Secretary:           Mary Downing
• Treasurer:            Beth Levine
• Board Members: Peggy Hewes, Susie Manthou, Shirley Konizeski

Nominations closed at 8pm.

Brags:

• The Nichols finished “V” Arwen  Glamour You this summer and her first time out as a special she wen’t BOB and SBIS at The All Hound Club of Bellingham.

Meeting adjurned at 8:05.

-Respectfully submitted by Heather Nichols, Secretary