American Bullmastiff Association 2008 Annual Committee Reports

Archives Committee

Current Archives Chairperson, Dione Shastid, has requested that volunteers be sought to take over the role.  Chris Rasmussen and Lindy Whyte, both educated and trained as librarians and with experience in archives access and preservation, have volunteered and will work with Dione in order to ship the collection and begin cataloging and preservation efforts.

Awards Committee:  Submitted by Chairperson Barbara Long

I want to thank the  ABA for entrusting such an important job to me the last 12 years. I would like to request that I be allowed to continue in this role for another year.

After the new Board came under the leadership of Mark Essary; all committee heads were asked to review our committee and make suggestions for improvements. This was an opportunity for me to share some of my ideas for clarification purposes.

Shirley LaFlamme and I had already discussed ways to make the Agility piece of the awards better balanced and fair for all competitors. It was quite a job for her to accomplish when our resource became unreliable. That process is now published on the   ABA  website under the Awards program.

Where we once only recognized the top 5 Obedience dogs we now also recognize the top 5 Agility as well as our top 5 Rally dogs.

We now do not require a CH in front of the dogs name to recognize our dual title working dogs. You can have a dual dog with a tracking title and obedience title or agility title. It is the same for triple titled dogs. The recognition continues to grow with our wonderful working membership so we can show our support to their dedication to our exciting breed.

I would still like to see us add an award for Agility Excellent and Rally Excellent as we have for Companion Dog Excellent.

I want to thank those folks who double check with me each year on their accomplishments to be sure we both agree. It is always a welcome inquiry that help me double check my records.

It is a tremendous job pulling all the information together each year and being a part of the  ABA ’s awards program. The vigor and excitement that I have each year as I pull our winners together has never faded. I hope to continue to work for the    ABA  and its members, on this committee for many years to come.

Bulletin Committee:  Submitted by Editor Nicole Parker

Bulletin Editor – Nicole Parker

Circulation Editor – Kathy Manuel

Business – Sara Patchen

The Bulletin Committee has been through a transition this year.  For many personal reasons, including the birth of my daughter, we have not been getting the issues out in a timely manner.  Kathy and I have come up with a solution which included changing printers that should get us back on track!

Advertisements have been down the past year.  Our April issue was only 52 pages and the August was only 62 pages.  This is down about 20 pages, give or take, per issue.   The rising cost of postage and printing is also taking a toll on the Bulletin this year.  Postage has gone up considerably as has the cost of paper.

Below is an accounting of the publication for the last year:

December 2007

 Income                        Expense

Advertisements             $6015.50

Printing                            $4356.81

Mailing                             $  546.02

Discounts                        $  130.00

Net Income                    $982.67

April 2008

Advertisements             $4040.00

Printing                            $3482.95

Mailing                             $  734.00

Net Income                      $ -176.95

August 2008

Advertisements             $4510.00

                      Printing                         $3650.00 (projected)

                     Mailing                           $750.00   (projected)

Discounts                      $332.50

Net Income                      $-222.50

This Bulletin is the membership’s Bulletin!  We need the support of the membership to make it a success!   Without your advertisements, there is no Bulletin.  We are always looking for articles and stories for publication.  Please make sure that if you send stories, they are limited to 2 pages.

We would like to say thanks to everyone who has supported the Bulletin!!!

Disaster Preparedness Committee

No report was submitted by Chairperson Karen Burke.

Futurity Committee:  Submitted by Chairperson Denise Borton

The ABA Futurity competition is an event held only at National Specialties.  The intent of the Futurity is to showcase breeders’ efforts in the selection of the sire and dam for the litters that they nominate.  The breeder projects the quality of the litter prior to the whelping….thus the reward is weighted towards him/her.  The owner has the responsibility of cultivating the inherited potential that his/her puppy has, but it is through the breeder’s effort that the potential is recognized in formal competition.  Only ABA members may nominate litters for Futurity.

The owner and/or co-owner of futurity-nominated puppies must also be member(s) in good standing with the ABA prior to the sixth-month birthday.  Handling in the Futurity is open only to the breeder and/or co-breeder, owner and/or co-owner, immediate family member or an amateur handler.  In the event that a person cannot physically handle his/her entry in a class, a substitute handler of his/her choice may be allowed provided the handler is not defined as a professional handler. 

The 1994 National Specialty was the inaugural year for the Futurity.  Jack Shastid was the long-time fancier who was committed to seeing it put into motion for the ABA bullmastiff breeder; and we have him to thank for suggesting the standing rules for it, many of which still remain in effect today.  There have been only two futurity chairs: Karen Campbell and myself.  Futurity chairs are appointed by the ABA Board of Directors; and in the year 2000, I took over the position that I continue to hold to this date.  I have been fortunate to partner with the Treasurer of the ABA, who is also the Board Liaison to Futurity.  The Treasurer is the person that I consult with in interpreting the Standing Rule for Futurity or circumstances that must be resolved prior to the national specialty.  Additionally, the Treasurer keeps me grounded in finance and accounting as we tie in every month with deposits because my background is in biology & clinical drug research.  I’ve had the privilege to work with Kathy Gladen, Lynne Angelos and Sara Patchen, whose expertise are invaluable to me.

The Futurity works only as well as those who support it.  Breeders nominate the litter prior to whelping, at 12 weeks and at 6 months.  Puppies can be dropped from the nomination process but never added to it.  The ABA is specific in that no professional handlers may handle dogs in Futurity (unless they own them), thus making it more of an amateur/family event.

The Futurity judge qualifications are quite specific with the nominated person having at least 10 years in the breed, bred 4 litters of record and 10 champions produced.  The ABA membership votes for Futurity judge nominees in conjunction with the annualelection of breed and sweepstakes judges.  Historically, futurity entries are less in the Southwest, Far West, Pacific Northwest and Southeast.  The biggest numbers usually are entries from the Midwest or eastern regions.  It is not unusual to have less than 40% of the nominated puppies show in Futurity in a given year.

For example, this year’s futurity total was $2,240.  There were 21 litters, 51-12 week puppies and 49-6 month puppies nominated.  Twenty-six puppies are entered in competition, approximately 50% of the total number nominated.  The entry appears to be dependent on location, this year the numbers are lower due to the geographic location and the logistics of transporting puppies to the national specialty.

The ABA Futurity purse has held as many as 40 litters and 137 puppies.  The highest amount awarded to an individual Futurity was $4,215 in 2007! 

The funds are split as follows: 

Forty-five percent (45%) will be divided among the 8 first-place winners in each age group. 

Twenty percent (20%) will be given to both the Best Bitch in Futurity and Best Dog in

Futurity.

Fifteen percent (15%) will be retained by the ABA to cover reasonable Futurity expenses, including those incurred from the superintendent and/or administrative fees. 

Given the unusual occasion that the 15% holdback from the accumulated annual Futurity funds is not adequate to cover "reasonable expenses" directly associated with the Futurity, the Board may approve an additional amount to be withheld.  The additional amount would be withdrawn from the accumulated annual funds before the winnings’ allocations.

If there is no entry in a class, then those funds shall be allocated pro rata amongst the remaining classes and to Best Bitch in Futurity and Best Dog in Futurity.  These funds will not be allocated to the ABA holdback.

The ABA is consistently looking for volunteers to serve on committees that are outlined in each newsletter.  Anyone who has an interest in chairing the Futurity, suggesting constructive comments or presenting an expansion of the Futurity Standing Rules is encouraged to contact me or any ABA Board member.

A special thank you to the ABA Board of Directors for appointing me to serve the membership and the future of the breed as Futurity Chair.

Gazette Columnist:  Submitted by Columnist Helene Nietsch

 I have had many positive comments from both members and non-members of the Bullmastiff community as well as from readers from other breeds praising the quality of the Bullmastiff column.  We have had both valuable breed-specific and general information columns written by either me or well-versed ABA members and we've never missed a deadline or a commitment from a contributor.  My introduction to the Gazette column came from former Gazette columnist, Deborah Vargas, when she asked me to write an article on handling for June in 1996.  At this time the column was lengthier than our 550 word limit today.  Deb stepped down as columnist and I was nominated by the board to take over in 1997.  Some of the columns over the last ten years have included:

-"Surprise, Surprise" -- a column written on the long-haired Bullmastiff.  "Yes, I bred him.  Certainly not on purpose, but here he is!" wrote Carol Beans.

-"Bullmastiff Temperament is Unique" -- written by behaviorist/trainer/temperament expert, Mona Lindau-Webb explaining why "The dog can have quite strong opinions about who is 'in' and who is 'out.'"

-"The Delegate's Role" -- an article that was "Spotlighted" in the Columns section written by former ABA Delegate, Helma Weeks.

-"Oppenheimer's 20 Basic Breeding Principles" -- Breeding methods recommended by famous Bull Terrier breeder Raymond Oppenheimer of the famed Ormandy Bull Terrier Kennels.

-"Great Dog or Merely a Big Winner" -- A Big Winner, but is he a Great Bullmastiff asks Peter Aczel.

-" America vs. Britain " -- A two-part series Bullmastiff comparison written by Britain 's breed expert, Billy Brittle.

-"Bullmastiff Movement -- Our standard could not be more simple and concise writes Helene Nietsch.

-Stayin' Alive" -- Optimizing healthy Bullmastiff puppies from 0 to 21 days, written by Anita Migday, our own Bullmastiff breeder specialty vet.

-"There is More to a Bullmastiff than a Great Head" -- declares Pat O'Brien, second generation Bullmastiff breeder.

-"A View from the Center of the Ring" -- Sherry Boldt's perspective on judging Bullmastiff sweepstakes.

-"A Decade Later" -- Adele Pfenninger reflects on the changes in Bullmastiff type after a ten-year absence in the breed.

-"Does our Bullmastiff Standard Define Breed Type?" -- Words in our standard are frequently so similar to language in other working dog standards, that one might be confused thinking these words mean the same in each breed.  This article elaborates on the relativity of words in a standard written by Helene Nietsch.

Occasionally lurking on the Bullmastiff List gives me insight and food for thought for some of the articles, a thumb on the pulse of the fancy, so to speak.  Coming up will be a column on the controversial question, "breed or group dog?"  Plus we have a Canadian expert writing on the subject of ethical Bullmastiff breeders.

If anyone would like to see a copy of any of these articles, or the many others, please don't hesitate to contact me.  I will email your request post haste.  You should now see some of the published articles in the Bullmastiff Bulletin with permission from AKC to reprint.

I might mention that my responsibility as columnist for AKC led me to the opportunity to write the Bullmastiff feature article which appeared in February 2006.  I can also email this article in PDF format to any requestor.

I have always encouraged members to contribute an article or suggest topics of interests for the Gazette readership.  I would very much like to continue as the AKC Gazette Breed Column Chairperson.  Thanks for your continued support.

Government/Club Relations Committee: Submitted by Chairperson Howard Gussis

 In the Government/ Club Relations Committee's first year, we fought many battles in various states.  California 's mandatory spay/neuter (MSN) bill keeps returning.  There is also MSN pending in Chicago as of this writing.  Legislation that is unfriendly to the sport, the hobby, and the enjoyment of dog ownership and breeding is cropping up everywhere.  No city, county, township, or state is immune.

There is a lot more to being successful at fighting bad legislation than simply forwarding on information.  The Government Relations Committee has written letters on behalf of the ABA in the California fight.  I am particularly proud of the seminar that was put on by Walt Bebout at last year's national.  We have worked closely with Walt on several occasions.  The Midwest club hosted a legislative booth at the Chicago Christmas cluster shows.

I am also very proud of the campaign that we waged to fight some very poorly drafted Wisconsin legislation.  I worked very closely with the Dog Federation of Wisconsin to help kill it in committee.  My local legislator was a sponsor of the bill, and I was able, with the help of others, to get her to drop off the bill.  It was a matter of education.  She now contacts me regularly when dog related issues arise.

This brings me to how I see the future of this committee.  The only effective way to fight poor legislation is on the local level with this committee informing people how to go about it.  We have had several instances of members contacting us and we directed them to various sample letters, contact information of their legislators, and talking points.  We also were able to put them in contact with others in their community (dog federations, hunting groups, breed clubs, etc.) with whom they could work.  This committee should be a resource for our members to aid them in ways to address legislative issues as they arise.

Health & Research Committee:  Submitted by Chairperson Shirley LaFlamme and Co-Chairperson Melissa Bausman

Committee:  Rebecca Fulton VDM, Jan Logan, Rebecca Martin, Gail Painter, Cindy Platt, Jan Poulton, Chris Rasmussen, Bill Rumsey, Jena Vohringer

As 2008 draws to a close, here is a summary of what the ABA Health & Research committee has accomplished in the past year, what we plan to accomplish in the future, and how YOU can help us work toward better health and longevity for bullmastiffs.

Fundraising:  The reality is that research is very expensive and fundraising is a vital and ongoing need.

• The committee hosted raffles in July and will host additional raffles in December.  Information on the raffles is made available in the newsletter and website.

• Bullmastiff note cards featuring the artwork of Peg Sowle continue to be available for sale and are featured on the ABA website. 

• Since 2003, the all-breed agility and obedience trials continue to generate the majority of health & research funds.  These trials are held in the New England area and volunteers are always needed.

• The Purina Parent Club Partnership Program also contributes to H & R funding.

DNA Samples:  In addition to funding, research is dependant upon availability of DNA samples from bullmastiffs.  The H & R committee continues to solicit DNA samples from all bullmastiffs.  Samples are especially needed from dogs diagnosed with cancers.  Once a blood sample is submitted and the DNA stored at the Broad Institute, it is a simple matter of updating Broad on the health status during the lifetime of the dog.   Information on submitting blood samples is included in this report.

CHIC:  The Canine Health Information Center , also known as CHIC, is a centralized canine health testing database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

The H & R committee worked with a panel of breeders to review the H & R committee’s prior recommendations for CHIC.  These revised CHIC recommendations were submitted to the ABA Board of Directors.  H & R committee member and veterinarian, Becca Fulton, VDM, will be further reviewing the recommendations with the ABA Board of Directors. 

Basic information about CHIC: 

• Participation in CHIC is totally voluntary 

• Dogs do NOT need to pass all health certifications to receive a CHIC number 

• Dogs who have had all of the required testing completed with the results made available (pass or fail) will receive a CHIC number 

• CHIC doesn't mandate which dogs are used or not used in a breeding program.  It simply creates the resource of a health testing information database that interested breeders and puppy buyers can access and utilize as desired 

• More information about CHIC can be found at http://www.caninehealthinfo.org 

• Participation in CHIC will allow bullmastiffs to qualify for participation in the CHIC DNA Repository

• The CHIC DNA Repository, co-sponsored by the OFA and the AKC/CHF, collects and stores canine DNA samples along with corresponding genealogic and phenotypic information to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited disease in dogs.

  • Participation in this sample repository will afford our breed more opportunities to be directly included in important research.

  • The CHIC DNA Repository is open to receive samples ONLY from participating CHIC breeds.

CHIC recommendations submitted to the ABA Board of Directors:

REQUIRED TESTING

Hip Dysplasia

   OFA Evaluation

   OVC Evaluation

   Pennhip Evaluation

Elbow Dysplasia

   OFA Evaluation

   OVC Evaluation

Eye Clearance

    CERF Exam- yearly testing recommended

Congenital Cardiac Database

    OFA Evaluation with examination performed by a Board-Certified Cardiologist or
          Echocardiography performed by a GP/Internist or Cardiologist

Autoimmune Thryoiditis

   OFA Evaluation from Approved Laboratory - full panel - yearly testing recommended

OPTIONAL TESTING

Progressive Retinal Atrophy DNA test (optional)

   OFA Evaluation from Approved Laboratory

 Kidney Disease (optional)   

   Urinalysis/UPC annually after 12mths of age

   Full Blood Profile annually

AKC Canine Health Foundation Parent Club Conference:   For the second year, H & R committee member, Becca Fulton, VMD, represented the ABA at this conference.  Becca submitted a report from the conference which was included in the ABA Bulletin.  The following is the closing from Becca’s report:

"The AKC/CHF conference presented many of the current and future modes of diagnosis and treatment of various disorders in purebred dogs.  There are many exciting studies taking place in genetics and stem cell research.  The CHF continues to encourage all of us to stay involved with the Health and Research for our beloved breed.  The American Bullmastiff Association Donor Advised Fund continues to be an example to many of the other breeds.  Let’s continue to stay on top and stay involved in the exciting developments in the field of canine health."

Information:  The H & R committee has endeavored to fully use the resources available to convey information to the membership.  Reports are included in each issue of the ABA newsletter and information is made available on the ABA website.  Additionally, health articles are presented in each issue of the ABA Bulletin.  Ideas for future articles of interest are always welcome.

Research:  The H & R committee continues to nurture a close relationship with the Broad Institute.  The Broad Institute was responsible for sequencing the canine genome.  This information is now being used to focus on finding the specific genes responsible for diseases such as osteosarcoma, lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, etc.  Fine mapping is the next step in identifying these genes and, of course, requires that Broad has access to DNA samples from bullmastiffs diagnosed with these diseases.  Genomics is the focus at Broad and all other major research facilities.

The majority of the ABA Health & Research funds are currently held in a Donor Advised Fund with the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF).  These funds are dispersed to fund research grants at the direction of the ABA .   The CHF has been directed to solicit cancer research in which bullmastiffs will be a primary breed included in the studies.  To date, the CHF has not received any proposals meeting the requested criteria.  Historically, bullmastiffs have not been considered for the role of primary breed studied as not enough samples are available.  If we, as bullmastiff fanciers, expect to make significant progress with health & research for our breed, we must all be committed to making DNA samples available from our dogs.

The following are grants the ABA has funded via the AKC Canine Health Foundation:

Financial Information:

**The majority of these funds were generated by all breed agility trials.  To put these totals in perspective, the Collie Foundation contributed a total of $194,766 for PRA research and they were rewarded with the identification and development of a test for PRA in Collies.  Research is very expensive.

New Projects:

Health & Longevity Database:  The H & R committee is working on a detailed proposal for developing a database to collect information on diseases found in bullmastiffs.  This information will be used to help breeders, owners and researchers work towards improving the health and longevity of our breed. 

Bullmastiff Wellness Foundation (BWF):  The H & R committee is looking forward to working with the BWF.  In addition to the increased fundraising potential, the BWF will allow for greater opportunities to participate in research structured by organizations other than the CHF.

In summary, the H & R committee continues to be dedicated to working towards better health for our breed.  Volunteers are always needed – please contact us about how to use your talents to promote bullmastiff H & R.   As always, we welcome your ideas and thoughts.

The Information & Education Committee has had seen varied success in the last year. On a positive note, we were able to provide brochures for several "Meet the Breed" events and were fortunate to have regional/local clubs around the country continue to offer information through local venues to prospective bullmastiff owners. Education is the first and foremost avenue we have in preventing rescue situations and negative publicity about our breed.

In addition this year, the ABA Board attempted to reach out of the public through ads run in Dog Fancy magazine during the issue cycle that featured the bullmastiff.  Again, our goal was to provide a solid connection for those interested in the breed to perhaps offset some of the less savory producers of dogs that do not share the best interest of the breed.  The result was an overwhelming number of phone calls and e-mails from people around the country interested in the breed and attempting to seek honest, genuine feedback about our dogs.

The barrage of contacts seeking information also revealed a clear deficit in our Committee.  We receive about a dozen contacts each per week and more during the time our ads are running. Many of these contacts are seeking information and are at various levels of education already in the breed, which means lots of questions, education and just plain time in speaking with the public. The amount of time needed to field the inquiries we receive is staggering to these two working moms!

In order for the Committee to effectively field questions and inquiries as well as provide proactive education we have a clear need for volunteers around the country who are willing to talk to people, provide education, and help people genuinely seeking a reputable breeder in their area to locate one.  We are seeking a solid education and information contact in each area of the country that we can route people to who are seeking information.

In addition, it is a goal of the Committee to have available to local clubs a portable display and educational resources that can be shipped around the country as needed for informational opportunities. It was our desire to do this in the past year and it just did not come to fruition.  Hope fully we can make that a top priority and have a classy, quality display and materials available by the first of the year.

As a side note, this committee would respectfully suggest that web links and contacts on the ABA webpage include an annotation to give readers an idea of what the committee does.  The information committee became the Wikipedia, Dear Abby, and more for all kinds of questions this year. It seems that some folks were unclear who to contact and just thought that "dialing 0" for information seemed a good plan. It is our goal to provide information and education to the public that allows people to make educated decisions in regard to purchase and ownership of a dog, not to provide general information on all topics dog related.

Judges Education Committee:  Submitted by Chairperson Carol Beans

The year started with Sherry Boldt with the help of Lynn Spohr giving a seminar to the Northstar Dog Judges Association in Minnesota .  Over the rest of the year so far Chris Lezotte and Alan Kalter have given a seminar in their area, Helene Nietsch in hers,  Mary Barbara Walsh and Virginia Rowland did a seminar.  Sergio and Kara Gonzalez did a presentation in the southeast.  I attended a comparative seminar given by Jim Deppen in South Carolina to help with the Bullmastiff portion.  Then I gave the Bullmastiff Seminar and Hands On Training at the Advanced Judges Institute in Pennsylvania in August.  Those at the Advanced Judges Institute had a great time babying the dogs that were there to be examined.  We had dogs from three or four different lines giving the judges a good broad overview. 

On September 8th the Judges Education Committee  (Mary Barbara Walsh, Gerry Shastid, Lynn Spohr, and I participating) held a conference call meeting to amend the Mentors List and work on the beginning of a new program that we intend to become available to judges in DVD or CD form.  It was a very productive meeting.  The new Mentors List will be ready by the end of the month if not before.  It will be made available to the ABA Webmaster for production on the ABA WEBSITE.

If anyone who is not on the Mentors List feels they qualify and would like to apply to the Committee to be added, please send me your name and I will share it and your qualifications with the rest of the Committee. 

The Committee places Mentors at two levels.  Level 1 is for those with the knowledge of the breed, comfort with public speaking, ability to set up and run a seminar singlehanded, if necessary.  Level 2 is for those with the knowledge of the breed who may not have the public speaking skills to present a seminar but can do ringside mentoring and speak with judges on the phone to answer questions or have judges visit their home to discuss the breed.  Level 1, of course, has the same ringside mentoring and home visit responsibilities.

Anyone with any question regarding the work of the Committee should feel free to contact me at any time and I will gladly answer your questions.

We have had a great deal of positive feedback on our presentations and our ringside mentoring this past year.  Not all judges pay as much attention to what we are trying to teach as others but there has definitely been an improvement in the understanding of the breed and many have developed a real affection for it. 

We look forward to our expected upgrade in teaching material this coming year and more seminars as successful as this year's were.

Membership Committee:  Submitted by Chairperson Donna Pendleton

I inherited the Membership Committee 1 year ago and it has been and interesting and rewarding ride!  First I would like to say thank-you to Sara Patchen, Linda Neville, Mark Essary and Lindy Whyte, for all of their help and support!  You guys are great and I have enjoyed working with you.  Mark Essary has had to talk me thru Excel "tutorials" more than once and thankfully he has always been there when I needed him. 

I started my year out trying to make sure that the contact information that you provide on your renewal is accurate on our roster.  Any address changes, new members and applicants are published in the newsletter and updated in the roster.  We currently have 695 domestic members and 25 foreign.  We have a database in the making that will integrate our accounting and membership information.  This database will help us to keep our membership accurate and help to simplify the renewal process.

The Regional Membership Reps are finally going to become a reality!

They will help to maintain accurate information, compile lists of member "talents" and can help new members to find sponsors in their area, if needed.

Why is all of this "accurate information" so important?  Because we all know how important your Bulletins and Newsletters are!  As always, please feel free to contact me @ tallyp2001@yahoo.com or 740-942-2624 with any questions about your membership.  

Newsletter Committee:  Submitted by Editor Linda Neville

The Newsletter is published 6 times a year. (February, April, June, August, October, December)  The Newsletter is put together by the editor, and sent to the printer.  The printed copies are brought to the bulk mailer who stuffs, labels and processes them for mailing. The number printed fluctuates throughout the year.  After October, it can drop due to as low as 450 due to a drop in membership renewals.  The number goes up as the new members join throughout the year.  As of August, the current number is 527 US and non-US households.  New members should get their first newsletter in the month they are published as New Members.

Over the past year the Newsletter continues to improve in delivery rate.  For the last two issues, I had only two Newsletters returned to me as undeliverable.  Changes of addresses have been a bit trickier, because I rely on the mailer to go into his program and make the updates manually, but I am trying to stay on top of it.  I would ask anyone that is having any sort of delivery problem to email me directly and I will make sure the mailer has your correct info.  I will also mail a Newsletter to you right away.   

All costs related to the Newsletter continue to increase just like everything else.  The printing and mailer costs have increased only marginally. It helps that I have used the same vendors for the past 5 years. Postage, of course, has been the biggest cost because the Newsletters are mailed 1^st class pursuant to the ABA By-Laws.  I also recently discovered that by folding the Newsletter, I can cut the postage costs almost 50%.  The August issue was mailed at a cost of 59 cents per piece, compared to the April issue, which was .98 cents per piece.  In order to continue this trend I will try to keep the total number of pages to 20 pages – the mailer cannot fold anything larger. The mailer charges .15 cents per piece to process and mail the newsletter.  

My goal since 2003 has been to get the Newsletter put together and in the mail by the 15^th day of the month of publication. I am very proud of my record in this regard.   Of course – this would not be possible without the dedication and cooperation of all the hard-working committee people I am privileged to work with.

Looking forward – I would like to see all or part of the Newsletter in electronic format available on the ABA website.  This would mean instant delivery of the Newsletter to Members.   I have discussed this with Chris Rasmussen and we both agree it could be easily done.  I am planning to work with Chris to put together a proposal to the Board and the membership on how to facilitate this.  I am also working on a spreadsheet to show exactly how much money can be saved by using electronic delivery.  Included in this will be the cost of preparing a scaled down version of the Newsletter involving only club business (Minutes, board announcements, ballots) to be sent by 1^st class mail.  Hopefully, when the Board and Club Members have all the facts, they can make a decision about how they want to receive the Newsletter in the future.     

I will conclude my report by thanking the Board and the committee members who make my job easy.

Register of Merit Committee

No report was submitted by Chairperson Lynn Spohr.

Rescue

American Bullmastiff Association, Inc.
Virginia Rowland
National Rescue Coordinator
P.O. Box 300
Templeton , MA 01468-0300
Telephone/FAX: 978 939 5300/cell: 978 424 1044
BLACKSLATE@aol.com

2007 to 2008 has been an extremely busy year for ABA Rescue. We are getting more and more inquiries to assist with dogs. There are a number of reasons, including the ease of finding us through the internet and an increased need caused by the economy, families losing their homes do to foreclosure, etc. The ABA’s new URL www.bullmastiff.us has made it easier to find ABA Rescue as has the privately run website www.bullmastiffrescue.com which for years was out of commission but is now up and running.

Rescue is a very time consuming ‘job’. I average at least four hours a day dealing with request to help dogs, communicating with other volunteers, reviewing and responding to adoption applications. Keeping accurate data has not been my priority. Records of adoption applications received are accurate. I am thrilled that virtually all the adoption applications I get now come to me as e-mail. Since I have to keep the paper financial records, as well as adoption contracts and volunteer forms, I would have no room in my office if I also had to keep boxes of adoption applications. If I do get an adoption application via FAX or mail, I transcribe it so it can be saved on my computer. My computer records show that in 2007 I received 1332 adoption applications. In 2008 through August 1, I have received 804 adoption applications. Data on number of dogs we’ve helped or been asked to help is not as accurate. I keep records on all the dogs I am contacted about. I keep accurate financial records on all adoptions that are processed, vet bills paid, etc. but as far as actual number of dogs assisted, my records do not include quite a few that were handled some of the state rescue committee. Some of our states are very well organized and the area shelters know who to contact in the state for help or get this information from the ABA website. In some states we have no volunteers or very few, so those are the situations I am more likely to be involved in. That being said, I have records of dealing with 512 dogs in 2007. Some of these are dogs that we do not take in to rehome - either they turned out not to be Bullmastiffs, the owner placed the dog himself, changed his mind or returned the dog to the breeder, or we would not accept the dog for temperament reasons.

In 2008, through August 1, I have handled inquiries about more than 450 dogs. The busiest months have been February with 82 inquiries and July with 80. First things I do when I get an inquiry is to determine if the dog is a Bullmastiff and where the dog came from. If he came from a responsible breeder/ABA member I always advise the owner to contact the breeder. Next thing I try to determine is the temperament and needs of the dog.

One of the most disturbing trends within the past year is the number of inquiries I have received to help dogs that have bitten an adult or child or shown aggressive behavior. The ABA surrender request asks if the dog has a history of aggression to people. Some people do not fill this out honestly to start with, and I find with some people, I have to ask more than once if the dog has any history of aggression before the owner will acknowledge the dog has this history. As I’ve mentioned, ABA Rescue will not rehome any Bullmastiff that has any history of aggression to people. I advise owners of these dogs to put them to sleep. In a few cases we find that people never acknowledge the dog’s history and it’s only after the dog is surrendered that we discover the dog has issues with people. Cost of euthanasia is so expensive that people lie because they cannot or will not pay to have this done.

In January of 2008 I have records for 73 requests to help, of these 14 were about dogs that either had bitten or had a history of aggressive behavior to adults or kids. In July, 15 of the 80 requests I got were for dogs that had bitten, attempted to bite, etc. Through August 1, I have records of being asked to assist 68 Bullmastiffs who had either bitten, tried to bite etc. People who love our breed should be disturbed by this trend. For some of these Bullmastiffs, it could be that breeders didn’t care about the temperaments of the dogs they bred. I believe in some cases the Bullmastiffs would not have become aggressive if they had been sold to people with large dog experience, who understood the importance of obedience training/socialization, etc. I am very grateful to all the wonderful volunteers we have who help us. Our Rescue Service is entirely dependent on these wonderful people. Some are ABA members, others aren’t. Some foster, others can’t but help by doing home visits, shelter IDS, transporting dogs. I am very proud of the fact that many of our volunteers are breeders and express their love of the breed by caring for rescue dogs with the same love and patience they show their own dogs and puppies. We need MORE volunteers. In some states we have none, in others there are so many dogs that need help we need more volunteers to help share the burden. The financial records of ABA Rescue will be reported on separately by the ABA Treasurer. Fundraising is critical to the success of our program. Most of our income comes from adoption fees. We are fortunate to get donations from the parent club, regional clubs, and individuals, many of them people who have adopted dogs from us who want to support the program. Our yearly raffle is very helpful. The paypal account has helped us raise money to help pay for the extraordinary vet expenses some of our dogs incur. Many of these paypal donations come from ‘strangers’ who read about the dogs on our website. I urge anyone who is interested in ABA Rescue to contact me if there is some question this report has not addressed. Hopefully it will include a request for a volunteer form.

Respectfully submitted

Virginia Rowland

National Rescue Coordinator

Data:

Dogs adopted by month:

October: 24

November 12

December 19

January: 21

February 31

March 23

April 21

May 12

June 15

July 18

TOTAL (October - July): 196

Top 20 Committee:  Submitted by Chairperson Kimberly Silva

2008 marks the third consecutive year the ABA National will host a Top 20 Event. From its start the Top 20 has become a popular and prestige addition to our Nationals week.  It gives our membership a chance to dress-up in formal evening wear while celebrating the accomplishments of the top ranked dogs of our breed. The Top 20 proposal was brought about by Kimberly Silva, who envisioned one for the breed for many years prior. Once brought forward the motion passed with a vote of the full membership. In its introductory year in 2006, the Top 20 was open to the top 25 breed ranked Bullmastiffs. Due to the overwhelming entry and success, the Top 20 committee voted to invite the top 20 nationally breed ranked Bullmastiffs as traditionally conducted.

Each year we have added an addition to maintain the excitement and interest of both exhibitors and spectators. 2007 we implemented the "Viewers Choice Award." This enables the spectators to become interactive while watching the competition. Each attendee is given a ballot and is able to vote for their opinion of the Top 20 dog. We also introduced a special Top 20 section of the August Bulletin in which our qualifiers are invited to place an ad at a discounted rate in our Top 20 section of the Bulletin. This is just another way to feature the Top 20 as well as building anticipation of our Top 20 Event. 2008 will introduce the Top 20 Challenge trophy, a stunning Dannyquest design to be won by the same owners, not necessarily with the same dog, three times in order to be retired.

While maintaining the elegance and prestige of the event, the dress code is black tie and does not include a spectator fee, as some clubs do. We wish to make this evening special and unique unlike any other dog competition. Now that the event has become established we would like to make the event a bit of a fundraiser for the club and are open to ideas from the membership. We are however very careful in preserving the evening as a celebration of our breed.

There is a $100 entry fee for qualifiers which includes, entry, a ribbon with each qualifiers name inscribed, and a catalog ad in our exclusive Top 20 catalog.

The Top 20 committee consists of twelve members: Sharon Baratto, Melissa Bausman, Judi Buckhardt, Craig Garcia, Annie Figueroa, Jerome Kee, Jr., Heather Johnson, Kathy Manuel, Rebecca Martin, Nicole Parker, Linda Silva, and Kimberly Silva. We are always welcome to new members as well as thoughts and ideas. With every year we look to expand the event with ways to generate the interest of our members and to fully recognize the dedication our breeders, owners and handlers have committed to the Bullmastiff.

Trophy Committee:  Submitted by Chairperson Anna Figueroa

Committee Members:  Chair:  Anna Figueroa, Allison Amon, Beth Skomial

Number of trophies: currently 23

Trophy Activity in 2007: 

Best of Breed: LeTasyl Trophy, Ch. Twit Lee Rajah Trophy, Ch. Pitman’s Gentleman Jim Trophy, 11 Piece Annapolis Punch Bowl Set.

Replacement Trophies: Victoria DaVilla Trophy, A Sitting Bullmastiff on a Marble Base, Replica of the Bullmastiff Statue in Philadelphia, to replace the Annapolis Punch Bowl Set when it is retired. 

New Trophies donated to replace retired Best of Breed Trophies: The Liam Trophy, A Silver Bowl on a Wooden Base; The American Bullmastiff Association, Inc. 75^th Anniversary trophy (celebrating 75 years of the bullmastiff as an AKC breed), both  designated as challenge trophies for the National Best of Breed winner.

Breeder of the Best of Breed trophies retired in 2007: Breeder Challenge trophy – Bullmastiff on Pillow, ABA Members Only; The Summertyme Memorial Trophy ABA Members Only.

We currently have 3 Best puppy in Sweepstakes trophies, 1 Winners Dog, 1 Winners Bitch, 1 Best Bred By Exhibitor, 1 First Place Veteran Dog 6 yrs and under 8 yrs. 1 Best Veteran Dog, 1 First Place Veteran Bitch 6 yrs and under 8 yrs, 1 First Place Veteran Bitch 8 yrs and under 10 yrs, 1 Best Veteran Bitch, 3 Best of Breed trophies, 1 Best of Opposite Sex, 1 Best Puppy in Regular Class, 1 Best Brood Bitch, 1 Best Stud Dog, 1 Obedience High in Trial,  1 Agility High in Trial, 1 Best Brindle, 1 Best Jr. Handler, 1 Best Brace Trophy with Plaques for the winners to take home, and 1 Humanitarian Award. We are also responsible for providing 12 Award of Merits that are presented to the BOB, and BOS winners, along with 10 dogs in the final cut that, in the judge’s opinion, best exemplify outstanding breed characteristics.

            Our budget is based on what the trophies need to have done to them. Average maintenance which includes cleaning, engraving, and small repairs runs between $150.00 and $300.00. This allows us to do small repairs to the trophies and trophy cases. If we need to replace or do a major repair to a trophy our costs could go as high as $500.00 or more. These situations are handled on a case by case basis and are sent to the ABA Board for approval. We can also have the added expense of transporting trophies to and from the Nationals if winners do not choose to take home their trophies.

            Our job begins at the Nationals. We transport the trophies to the National show sight and set up and decorate the tables to display the trophies during the actual show time. During competition we make sure that the trophies are available for pictures with each winner. Most trophies are not presented in the ring but at the Awards Dinner. Trophies that need to be presented in the ring are brought ringside by one of our committee people to be presented by one of the Show Chairs. During competition we keep track of the winners and write their information on winners sheets that are kept in a special trophy note book held by the trophy chair. We also keep track of which trophies are taken home by the winners and make sure that all the paperwork is signed and accurate. This information includes class won, winners name and number, winner’s owner and winner’s breeder. We also get any contact information as needed. This information is later transferred to computer records and kept in a file of previous Nationals. A copy of all information is given to the ABA secretary for their records. After competition is ended we make sure trophies are moved to the Awards Dinner location for presentation.  Those who plan on taking their trophy home until the next National will finish their paperwork after the dinner and will get their trophy packed and ready to take home.

            Trophies that are not taken home by the winners are taken back to one of the trophy committee’s homes for storage until the next Nationals. After all information is input into the computer we prepare the trophies for the next show by getting the winners nameplate engraved and attached to the right trophy. We keep track of where all the trophies are by information obtained from the winners. They are contacted 2 to 3 months prior to the next Nationals to see if they are bringing the trophy back to the next Nationals or if they need to make arrangements to ship the trophy back to the committee. Trophies that are shipped back to us must be packed in their storage box, if it came with one, and packaged in a cardboard shipping box with padding. We recommend using a shipping company as they are liable if anything happens to the trophy during shipping. Each trophy must be insured for $1000.00 and shipped by Federal Express or UPS with a tracking confirmation number.

            This job takes lots of time and can use more people to become involved. I am grateful to Marti Edwards for stepping in and taking care of the trophies at this National and would like to thank my committee people for their commitment and help.

Website Committee:  Submitted by Coordinator Chris Rasmussen

The new ABA website has experienced tremendous growth since it was launched last year at the National.  We have expanded the website by more than 30 pages, including:

--Information regarding past specialties and results
--The proposed amendments to the ABA Constitution & By Laws

--The ABA Standing Rules, with special attention to the committee rules as they are

     reviewed and revised
--A complete breeder's listing
--A section with featured Rescue dogs, which has generated hundreds and hundreds of 

     dollars in donations
--A Rescue store
--Regional club information
--a Health & Research donation button
--H&R note cards for sale
--2008 Nationals pages

Rescue has taken over the updating of rescue dogs available for adoption, and we've incorporated the updates seamlessly into the ABA website.  This has greatly lessened the workload of the Website Committee

I'm still looking for help from anyone interesting in volunteering for web-related work.

Working Dog Committee:  Submitted by Chairperson Shirley LaFlamme

Fourteen bullmastiffs will be receiving Working Dog (WD) awards this year.  Participation in the WD awards program continues to grow for both the versatility and performance awards.  Each dog and owner team earning these awards should be very proud of their accomplishments.  While training and working with one’s dog imparts a sense of pride and accomplishment, it also serves to develop and enhance a very special bond between owner and dog.

In the coming year, plans are to:

• Update the Working Dog program to include new titles added by the titling organizations since the last WD program revision. 

• Information on the dogs earning WD awards will be given to the ROM committee for inclusion in the ROM update.

• Utilize the ABA website to showcase the outstanding accomplishments of WD recipients (currently the website includes a list of all WD award recipients, as well as the WD program rules and application forms).

• With breed specific legislation always a threat, every opportunity for the public to see bullmastiffs in a positive light is very important.   I hope that more bullmastiff fanciers will be motivated to "work" with their dogs and show off what our breed can do.  

 The 2008 American Bullmastiff Nationals are here! We are thrilled you are here to join us!

 This event is the culmination of the dedicated work of a small group of people as well as the generosity of the many, which is infinite. Careful planning by the highly involved volunteers has allowed us to create a wonderful specialty. With a goal of making this a personalized and memorable event for everyone we have spent a lot of time on the details of this show.

The now famous logo was brought to life by three beautiful Bullmastiffs drawn by our breed's beloved Adel Pfenninger. Its background was illuminated by the art of Frank Hernandez. Once the design was agreed upon, we placed it in the able hands of Reba Wisdom. Reba created a line of merchandise with great variety in which there is something for every attendee.

From the theme matching purple ink on the premium list to the individual favors for the awards banquet, the custom centerpieces for both dinners, to the gorgeous wood trophies engraved with the show's logo, and the sparkling rosettes, the personal touches of the three co-chairs are on every bit of this show. Carrie Lane demonstrated the utmost in work ethic as she continued her duties as our fearless leader, from her hospital bed after a serious car accident.

We are honored to present the National Specialty during the Bullmastiff's 75th year of AKC recognition. Hence the diamond theme decor for Saturday's dinner and the incredible slide show DVD keepsake that has been painstakingly collaborated on, to close this event. We have been fortunate enough to have commissioned the incomparable Cona Sanner to depict this milestone in an original painting. This fabulous art will be available at the Art Auction this evening.

Our Nationals Pack leaders have been guided by our current President, Mark Essary, Secretary, Lindy Whyte, and Second Vice President, Paula Sturiale. They have shared their wisdom and finesse for successful shows with us every step of the way. WE APPRECIATE THEIR BELIEF IN US AND THEIR UNWAVERING SUPPORT.                      

We are excited for the ability to provide everyone with the convenience of online transactions for everything from merchandise to dinners. The daily contributions of Chris Rasmussen and Dawna Starr enabled us to post and update all the important Nationals News. We are the first Nationals group to bring you this.

The host hotel, "Red Lion, Olympia , WA." has been a dream to work with. They are the utmost dog friendly location. They have a knowledgeable staff, who have been communicative and considerate towards everyone in our group during this process. They have definitely helped set us up for success with their many options and overall flexibility as a company.   Our show superintendent, Onofrio, has been a partner in producing the ring events and we are thankful for their expertise as we have worked to bring you this show of shows.  A special thanks to our Show Secretary, Denise Borton, whose knowledge and understanding of the sport make her uniquely equipped to do this job for our membership.

Many people comprise the packs that are making this event a success. We appreciate the following people and their support:

OUR HONORABLE JUDGES

~Sheila Polk

~Gary Anderson

~Annie Figueroa

~Allan Immerman

~Robin Kletke

SHOW SECRETARY-Denise Borton

AGILITY SECRETARY-Becky Boilek

RING STEWARD-Joanne Tucker

WORKING EVENTS-Barbara Brooks-Worrell, Marti Edwards TRIATHALON-Kris Lynch

TREASURER-Victoria Newbill

INTERNET LIASON-Dawna Starr

ART AUCTION-Carol Beans

TOP 20-Kim Silva

CHALLENGE TROPHIES-Annie Figueroa

AWARDS-Barb Long

TROPHIES/ROSETTES-Shana Jackson

RAFFLE QUEEN-Susan Sheperd

BANQUETS&EVENTS-Dawna Starr

VENDORS- Barb Long

CGC TESTING-Monica Payson

PARADES-Scott Hoffman & Gerald Greer

JUDGES EDUCATION-Carol Beans

BLOAT SEMINAR-Sandra Wickwire

WELCOME AREA-Marti Edwards

HOSPITALITY BAGS-2 Live Bag Stuffin' Crew

CANINE CANCER SEMINAR-Paula Sturiale-Jewlz Lane

CANINE DNA BLOOD DRAW-Health & Research Committee

DVD SLIDE SHOW-Gail Painter

MERCHANDISE-Carrie Lane

MEGA MERCHANDIZERS-Pat & Roger Lane

DVD/VIDEO SALES-Lorena Moy

CREATIVE SUPPORT-Cindy Partington, Rachel Crawford-Rary & Brenda Kimber

2009 National Specialty Committee:  Submitted by Nicole Parker

Kathy Manuel, Vickie Lang, and I have been hard at work preparing for the 2009 Nationals that will be held in Lafayette , Louisiana October 27-31, 2009.  We have most of our "krewes" formed and are currently looking for volunteers!

The following is a list of our "Krewe" Chairs:

Nicole Parker – Chairperson – Events/Administration

Kathy Manuel - Co-Chairperson – Finances/Merchandise

Vickie Lang - Co-Chairperson - Fundraising  

Krewe de Trophy – Christie Parrent/Kim Cook/Stephanie Evans

Krewe de Banquets – Paula Sturiale/Deena Hyer/Julie Ahrens

Krewe de Art Auction – Pat O’Brien/Hanne Minntz/Tina Uyeno

Krewe de Vendors – Karen Burke/Karen Cole

Krewe de T-shirt Sales – Karen Burke

Krewe de Mardi Gras Parade – Melissa and Shawn Smith

Krewe de DVD Sales – Jan Poulton

Krewe de Obedience/Agility/Rally – Charlotte Ramsay/Debra Bruce/Jan Poulton

Krewe de Triathlon – Shirley LaFlamme/Charlotte Ramsay

Krewe de Hospitality Suite – Kara Gonzalez

Krewe de Catalogue Sales/Marked Catalogues – Denise Borton

Krewe de Catalogue Advertising – Donna Atwood

Krewe de Educational Seminars – Helen Nietsch/Michelle McGovern

Krewe de Website – Chris Rasmussen

Krewe de Grounds – Jerry Cole

Krewe de Veterans Parade – Gerald Greer/Scott Hoffman/Andrea Kelly

Krewe de Rescue Parade – Nicole Shook

Krewe de Hospitality Bags – Barb Remley

We have tons of exciting activities planned for your stay in Cajun Country.  From day trips to parties to Mardi Gras Parades we will have something for everyone!  There will be a Jambalaya Dinner hosted by Kathy, Vickie and I in conjunction with a handling seminar on Tuesday night and Bus Trip to Evangeline Downs Casino on Wednesday Night!  And we cannot forget the Mardi Gras/Halloween Ball Saturday night!  You’ll dance the night away to the GREAT sound of Cajun Nation. Get your costume ideas working!!!   This will be a night not to miss! 

Anyone that does Carting with their Bullmastiff:  The Mardi Gras Parade needs you!  Contact Shawn and Melissa Smith to get involved with the Parade!  One Special dog and cart team with be chauffeuring our Parade Queen, Miss Sierra Rose!

This Saturday night we will have t-shirts available for sale as well as information packages for everyone.  Come by and see us!   We have a VERY big surprise to unveil.  Make sure you stop by the 2009 table to get in on this once in a lifetime opportunity!  We also have a Win A Trip to Nationals Raffle.  Tickets can be purchased from Vickie, Kathy or me or, you will be able to purchase them online.

The website will be up and running VERY shortly after the conclusion of the 2008 Nationals.  You will be able to make hotel reservations, dinner reservations, buy merchandise and raffle tickets.  Keep checking back with the website for the most up to date information on 2009!

The Holiday Inn Holidome will be taking reservations starting October 27, 2008.  All the needed info will be in the packets we will be handing out and, can be found on the Nationals website. 

We are looking forward to y’all coming down to Cajun Country where we will show you the Joie de Vivre (Joy of Living) in this wonderful world of good food, great music and close friends.  Please feel free to contact any of us at anytime with questions or, if you would like to volunteer.  Can’t wait to see you for the 2009 National Specialty – The Festival of Bullmastiffs!