AMERICAN BULLMASTIFF ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
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ABA ARCHIVES COMMITTEE
ANNUAL REPORT
Lindy Whyte and Chris Rasmussen
Late in 2008, with the resignation of the previous ABA Archives Committee Chair, we were approved by the ABA Board as co-Chairs of the ABA Archives Committee. It was understood that there would be a time lag, because Lindy is finishing her final term on the ABA Board and wrapping up administrative duties, and Chris continues to spearhead the ABA Website Committee’s innovations. At this time we are ready to begin implementing the plans we have for the ABA Archives in 2010.
We are librarians by education and training and would like to use our experience in order to achieve our goal. That is to make the ABA Archives accessible to our membership. We are hoping to attract a few dedicated volunteers with an interest in breed history and the time and talent to make our many potential projects become reality for the ABA, beginning in 2010.
We have determined that the ABA Archives material would best be stored in a climate controlled storage unit until such time as the collection can be reviewed. We are looking for the proper facility, one that is in proximity to one of us, so that we can have easy access to the materials as we unpack them.
We need to transport the collection here to the east. Upon its arrival, we need to unpack and determine whether any materials are in need of preservation or repair. We also plan to accomplish a catalog of the items so that we can 1) provide our members with a current list of the materials, 2) propose a traveling exhibit to be offered at ABA events around the country and, 3) perhaps plan a means to make at least some of the materials available in digital versions.
As part of the ABA Archives Committee work, we also plan on accomplishing an oral history project. This, too, is something we received Board approval to explore. We hope to begin this project as soon as is possible, with a goal of involving the many individuals who have been stewards of the breed in the United States and servants of the club for its duration. We will submit a proposal to the ABA that will allow us to begin as soon as possible in planning to collect the stories of our breed veterans and safeguard them for present and future fanciers.
Our need, initially, is for volunteers. As well, we plan to ask the Board for funding as necessary, to move and house this priceless collection safely and to proceed with the cataloging and preservation of the Archives, as well as to begin the oral history project. We welcome advice, ideas, projects, and volunteers.
BULLETIN COMMITTEE REPORT
Editor- Michele McGovern
Circulation Editor- Helene Nietsch
Business – Sara Patchen
Transition remains the name of the game with regards to the Bulletin! We have successfully completed a total of 2 editions with the new committee members. We are trying to keep the Bulletin on track with getting it out to the general membership in a timely fashion.
We are utilizing a great printing company in Montana, Print Center USA, that has been wonderful to work with. The turn around time once the bulletin is approved is very quick. I am working with them to get the cost down, as well as, asking for our discount when we get our quotes.
Ad submission overall remains down perhaps a sign of the economic times we are now in. We have started a new section titled “ Senior Stars” that members can feature their veteran bullmastiffs at a very reduced cost $25.00 and it is featured like the “Future Star” section. I encourage the membership to take advantage of the reduced cost for an ad announcing a “ New Title” as well, which is half price.
We continue to encourage the membership to submit stories, pictures, club announcements or anything they may feel would be of interest to the general membership.
April 2009 Issue
Publication Cost : $4,194.52
Mailing( Envelopes, Stuffing, Postage) $826.80
Ads: $4,260.00
September 2009 Issue
Publication Cost: $5,049.00 (added Color for Top 20 Section)
Mailing (Envelopes, Stuffing, Postage) $910.47
Ads:$3,984.50
CHALLENGE TROPHY ANNUAL REPORT
Chair: Anna Figueroa
Beth Skomial
Kathy Spencer
Number of trophies: currently 23
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. 75th Anniversary trophy designated as a challenge trophy 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 don’t have replacements for these trophies.
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 usually 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 trophy.
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 were taken home by Beth Skomial, the person in charge 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 would like to thank Beth Skomial, for storing the trophies this year and helping to keep track of what and where they were. I would also like to thank Kathy Spencer for helping transport trophies to where they were needed. Again I thank Judi Buckhardt for transporting the trophies to this year’s location.
I would like to make a suggestion to the board that would help the Challenge Trophy committee to accomplish the large amount of work required to make and keep the Trophies presentable and complete the paperwork required for the winners to take home their trophies.
In order to take some of the load off the one or two people able to come to the National to take care of the trophies, I suggest that the trophies be handled at the show by the National Trophy committee, who are already involved in getting trophies and awards ready for presentation, and know what trophies need to be presented in the ring or for pictures. They would be set up by the committee to co-ordinate with the shows theme and to identify where each trophy is for when it is needed. The Challenge committee would still be responsible for all the paperwork involved and for making sure that the trophies are properly transported either by the winner or the Challenge committee.
I believe that these suggestions would greatly improve the amount of stress the Challenge committee is under that comes from trying to do so much in a short time and with too few people. Though there are always wonderful people who volunteer to help, especially with packing after the show, there is always a need for a few more hands.
I wish the next Challenge Trophy chairperson the best, and hope that they feel and see the history embodied in these wonderful trophies and give them the care they deserve.
FUTURITY COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT
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 1992 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. 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. Sara Patchen’s counsel is priceless to me as we make sure that the nominations are secure and consistent with the standing rules on a consistent basis.
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 are the owners of record), 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 produced 10 champions. The ABA membership votes for Futurity judge nominees in conjunction with the annual election 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 is $3050 (which included a $25 overpayment). Twenty-three breeders nominated 26 litters, 73-12 week puppies and 63-6 month puppies. The futurity entry appears to be dependent on location, this year the numbers are slightly 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.
This year’s futurity event is judged by Mrs. Pam McClintock, a long-time breeder/owner/professional handler of bullmastiffs. Mrs. McClintock has bred and handled bullmastiffs for over 35 years under the Shatrugo kennel name.
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. I’d like to thank the ABA Board of Directors for appointing me to serve the membership and the future of the breed as Futurity Chair.
GAZETTE COLUMN ANNUAL REPORT
Columnist Helene Nietsch
“Imagine 19th-century England before industrialization: Picture a rural, agrarian society composed of large feudal estates surrounded by small tenant farms. Think of the gamekeeper, whose duty it was to prevent desperate and determined poachers from illegally taking the wild game that roamed the landowner’s property. And envision a large, powerful, and agile dog, as dark as night, with the ability to sneak up on the poacher unaware, knock him to the ground, and hold him without harm until the gamekeeper arrived the next morning.”
Chris Lezotte was the guest columnist for the 125th Anniversary September 2009 Issue of the AKC Gazette where I encourage all to read the complete article submitted by Chris. This Anniversary Issue is full of historical articles and photographs on all the AKC recognized breeds.
If anyone would like to see a copy of any of the published articles please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will email your request post haste. You should regularly see published articles in the Bullmastiff Bulletin with permission to reprint from AKC. I can also email the Gazette feature article on Bullmastiffs 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.
HEALTH & RESEARCH COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT:
Submitted by Chairperson Shirley LaFlamme and
Co-Chairperson Melissa Bausman
Committee: Rebecca Fulton VMD, Jan Logan, Rebecca Martin, Gail Painter, Cindy Platt, Jan Poulton, Chris Rasmussen, Bill Rumsey, Jena Voehringer , Sandra Wickwire, DVM
CHIC: Nearly five years ago the H & R committee submitted the initial proposal for CHIC to the ABA Board of Directors. Recently bullmastiffs finally became a part of CHIC. Please give yourself a pat on the back, if you demonstrated your concern for the welfare of the breed by taking the time to submit the newsletter survey on CHIC.
The following is a review of CHIC information:
· 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
· Bullmastiffs are now eligible to participate 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.
REQUIRED TESTING for Bullmastiffs
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)
Kidney Disease (optional)
CHIC has already started issuing CHIC numbers/certificates for dogs with the required health testing. To date, twenty-three bullmastiffs have received a CHIC number.
Fundraising: Fundraising continues to be a primary function of this committee. The reality is that research is very expensive and fundraising is a vital and ongoing need.
· The committee once again hosted raffles in the past year. Information on the raffles is made available in the newsletter and on the ABA 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.
· Bullmastiff Times (www.BullmastiffTimes.com) is a beautiful online monthly magazine just for bullmastiffs which benefits H & R.
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. DNA samples will continue to be sent to the Broad Institute and now also to the CHIC DNA repository. A DNA sample collection is being held again this year at the National. Once a blood sample is submitted and the DNA stored, it is a simple matter of updating Broad and CHIC on the health status during the lifetime of the dog. Information on submitting blood samples is available on the ABA website.
We encourage regional clubs to host DNA collections at specialties/club events. 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.
Research: The majority of the research funded by the ABA continues to be coordinated through the AKC’s Canine Health Foundation. The majority of our funds are still held in our Donor Advised Fund with the CHF. As the transition with the Bullmastiff Wellness Foundation (BWF) progresses, future funds generated will be held with the BWF. It is hoped that this will allow for broader access to bullmastiff specific research.
Cancer continues to be the dominant area of need and focus for research funded. Genomics is the focus of the majority of these studies targeted at aggressive cancers such as hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and lymphoma.
We have also supported the Rabies Challenge Fund again this year. This research being conducted by Dr. Ronald Shultz and Dr. Jean Dodds is attempting to prove the efficacy of the rabies vaccine is much longer than currently recognized. This could lead to improved vaccination protocols which are less taxing on the dogs’ immune systems.
Ongoing research continues to be contingent on fundraising and DNA sample collection. Participation by all is needed to achieve our goals of better health for our beloved breed.
Funds have been allocated for the following studies via the AKC’s Canine Health Foundation:
Active Grant: 1131
Genetic Background and the Angiogenic Phenotype in Cancer
Grant Duration:
01/01/2010 – 12/31/2012
Disease(s):
Oncology: Hemangiosarcoma
Sponsor(s):
American Boxer Charitable Foundation, American Bullmastiff Association, American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation, American Spaniel Club Foundation, Fort Worth Kennel Club, French Bulldog Club of America, Golden Retriever Foundation, Laura J. Niles Foundation, Inc., Mastiff Club of America, National Beagle Club, Newfoundland Club of America Charitable Trust, Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, Inc., Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Saluki Club of America, Inc., Saluki Health Research, Inc., St. Bernard Club of America, Starlight Fund, Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation
Researcher(s):
Dr. Jaime Modiano, VMD PhD
Breed(s):
German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, Portuguese Water Dog
Abstract:
Background: Certain dog breeds are prone to develop certain types of cancer; yet, there has been little progress to define genes or other factors that account for this risk. The researchers’ recent work on hemangiosarcoma is the first to clearly demonstrate that a dog’s genetic background, defined by “breed,” can influence the type of genes that show up as tumors. This means that certain breeds are diagnosed with specific cancers more frequently than others because of the behavior of tumors after they show up, and not simply because they show up more frequently. Specifically, this may apply to the observed tendency for hemangiosarcoma seen in Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, and Portuguese Water Dogs. In addition, one-size-fits-all therapies may be not enough to effectively treat this disease. Objective: This project will continue the researchers’ observations on gene appearance profiles in hemangiosarcoma from Golden Retrievers to German Shepherd Dogs and Portuguese Water Dogs, and it also will define how new targeted therapies may effectively control the disease in these and other dog breeds.
Active Grant: 1139
Immune Targeting of Canine Hemangiosarcoma Using a Canine Derived Single Chain Antibody Approach
Grant Duration:
01/01/2009 – 12/31/2010
Disease(s):
Oncology: Hemangiosarcoma
Sponsor(s):
American Belgian Tervuren Club, Inc., American Bullmastiff Association, American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation, American Spaniel Club Foundation, Briard Club of America Health & Education Trust, Clumber Spaniel Club of America, Collie Health Foundation, English Setter Association of America, Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation, French Bulldog Club of America, Leonberger Health Foundation, National Amateur Retriever Club, Poodle Club of America Foundation, Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Saluki Health Research, Inc., Samoyed Club of America Education & Research Foundation, Siberian Husky Club of America, Versatility in Poodles, Inc.
Researcher(s):
Dr. Nicola Mason, PhD
Breed(s):
All Dogs
Abstract:
Background: Canine hemangiosarcoma is a common and highly aggressive tumor of blood vessels that is often fatal. At diagnosis most dogs have evidence of metastatic disease and despite chemotherapy, survival times rarely exceed 6 months. New approaches to the treatment of this disease are needed. The use of monoclonal antibodies and antibody fragments to directly target different tumors has shown promise in clinical trials in man. Objective: This project aims to use a new canine synthetic antibody system to target the tumor and deliver cytotoxic agents directly to both primary and metastatic lesions. Using advanced molecular techniques, the researchers intend to review antibody responses that dogs with hemangiosarcoma may make against their own tumors and use these as a template to generate canine antibody fragments that specifically recognize tumor particles. Tumor-specific antibody fragments will be linked to an exotoxin and evaluated for their ability to kill canine hemangiosarcoma cells in vitro. This allows for the direct delivery of cytotoxic agents to the tumor, which decreases side effects and increases therapeutic value. This work aims to develop the first canine-derived, tumor-specific targeting approach for the treatment of HSA and to provide proof-of-principal for this approach that can then be used to therapeutically target many other tumor types in this species in vivo.
Active Grant: 1147
Identifying Mutations in Genes Associated with Canine Hemangiosarcoma
Grant Duration:
01/01/2009 – 12/31/2009
Disease(s):
Oncology: Hemangiosarcoma
Sponsor(s):
American Bullmastiff Association, American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation, Briard Club of America Health & Education Trust, Clumber Spaniel Club of America, Delaware County Kennel Club, Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation, French Bulldog Rescue League, Golden Retriever Foundation, Health & Rescue Foundation of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America, Leonberger Health Foundation, National Amateur Retriever Club, Poodle Club of America Foundation, Saluki Health Research, Inc., Scottish Terrier Club of America Health Trust Fund, Siberian Husky Club of America
Researcher(s):
Dr. Chieko Azuma, DVM PhD
Breed(s):
German Shepherd Dog, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever
Abstract:
Background: Hemangiosarcoma (HSA), a malignant tumor of blood vessels, is a significant health concern in dogs, with a reported incidence of up to 2% of all tumors. HSA can affect all dogs, but a particularly high disease incidence has been reported in certain breeds, such as golden retriever (15%), German shepherd (10%), and Labrador retriever. The higher incidence in these particular breeds suggests that genetic risk factors exist. The researchers have identified seven regions in the canine genome associated with HSA in golden retrievers using a newly developed powerful analytical method in order to search for small differences in the patterns of DNA. Subsequently, DNA patterns have been compared with five other breeds and all risk factors appear to be shared with at least one other breed. Objective: The researchers aim to identify the actual mutations and to then survey multiple breeds to see if they share the same mutations. They also aim to perform tumor appearance studies to confirm if the amount of product from genes near to the mutations is altered. Once the mutations have been identified and their presence in different breeds assessed, it will be possible to rapidly develop genetic tests for carriers of HSA. Ultimately, understanding of the disease biology will lead to prevention and better treatment of HSA.
Active Grant: 613
The Prognostic Significance of Chromosome Aneuploidy in Canine Lymphoma
Grant Duration:
08/01/2008 – 07/31/2010
Disease(s):
Oncology: Lymphoma
Sponsor(s):
American Bullmastiff Association, American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Charitable Trust, Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, Briard Club of America Health & Education Trust, Central New Jersey Hound Association, Collie Health Foundation, Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation, Golden Retriever Foundation, Great Dane Club of America, Great Dane Club of America Charitable Trust, Greater Daytona Dog Fancier’s Association, Jeffrey Pepper, Labrador Retriever Club, Mastiff Club of America, National Redbone Coonhound Association, North Georgia Hound Association, Old English Sheepdog Club of America, Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, Inc., Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, Rottweiler Health Foundation, Saluki Health Research, Inc., Samoyed Club of America Education & Research Foundation, Skye Terrier Club of America, Starlight Fund, United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club, Inc., White Shepherd Genetics Project
Researcher(s):
Dr. Matthew Breen, PhD
Breed(s):
All Dogs
Abstract:
Background: Lymphoma is the most common life-threatening cancer in dogs, accounting for up to 24 percent of all canine malignancies. A large proportion of canine lymphomas are responsive to chemotherapy, increasing both the length and quality of an affected dog’s life. However, there is considerable difference in the response to therapy working and overall survival time. This shows that there is a need to develop more improved forms of classification. In human lymphoma, the use of cytogenetics has been used to show the presence of frequent chromosome abnormalities that have both diagnostic and predictive importance. In previous studies the researchers have identified frequent chromosome abnormalities in canine lymphoma, including copy number changes (aneuploidy) of dog chromosomes 6, 15, 16, and 18. Objective: In this project the researchers will use molecular cytogenetics to study a collection of lymphoma specimens, taken from dogs that were all treated with the same chemotherapy procedure as part of a clinical trial. This approach will allow us to determine if these frequent copy number abnormalities are able to predict response. This project hopes to increase the sophistication of diagnosis and life expectancy for canine lymphoma.
Active Grant: 947A
Heritable and Sporadic Genetic Lesions in Canine Osteosarcoma
Grant Duration:
08/01/2008 – 07/31/2010
Disease(s):
Oncology: Osteosarcoma
Sponsor(s):
Akita Club of America, Inc., American Boxer Charitable Foundation, American Bullmastiff Association, Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation, German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America, Golden Retriever Foundation, Great Dane Club of America, Great Dane Club of America Charitable Trust, Greyhound Club of America, Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, Irish Wolfhound Association of the West Coast, Irish Wolfhound Club of America, Inc., Jeffrey Pepper, Leonberger Health Foundation, Mastiff Club of America, Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, Rottweiler Health Foundation, Saluki Health Research, Inc., Starlight Fund
Researcher(s):
Dr. Matthew Breen, PhD
Breed(s):
Golden Retriever, Rottweiler
Abstract:
Background: Certain dog breeds are prone to develop certain types of cancer. Yet, there has been little progress to define the genes that account for this risk. Objective: For this project, the researchers’ goal is to identify genetic abnormalities that are shared by bone tumors and segregate with risk in two dog breeds (Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers) where the disease is prevalent. In collaboration with their colleagues at the University of Michigan and the Broad Institute, they have identified preliminary regions of the genome that may influence risk in Rottweilers. The work described here represents a next step to pinpoint specific genes that are associated with breed-dependent risk, and to predict how heritable factors influence bone cancer in Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, and other dogs.
Active Grant: 947B
Heritable and Sporadic Genetic Lesions in Canine Osteosarcoma
Grant Duration:
07/01/2008 – 06/30/2010
Disease(s):
Oncology: Osteosarcoma
Sponsor(s):
Akita Club of America, Inc., American Boxer Charitable Foundation, Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation, German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America, Golden Retriever Foundation, Great Dane Club of America, Great Dane Club of America Charitable Trust, Greyhound Club of America, Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, Irish Wolfhound Association of the West Coast, Irish Wolfhound Club of America, Inc., Leonberger Health Foundation, Mastiff Club of America, Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, Rottweiler Health Foundation, Saluki Health Research, Inc., Starlight Fund
Researcher(s):
Dr. Jaime Modiano, VMD PhD
Breed(s):
Golden Retriever, Rottweiler
Abstract:
Background: Certain dog breeds are prone to develop certain types of cancer. Yet, there has been little progress to define the genes that account for this risk. Objective: For this project, the researchers’ goal is to identify genetic abnormalities that are shared by bone tumors and segregate with risk in two dog breeds (Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers) where the disease is prevalent. In collaboration with their colleagues at the University of Michigan and the Broad Institute, they have identified preliminary regions of the genome that may influence risk in Rottweilers. The work described here represents a next step to pinpoint specific genes that are associated with breed-dependent risk, and to predict how heritable factors influence bone cancer in Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, and other dogs.
Active Grant: 970
Tissue Regeneration Using Canine Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Effects of Donor Characteristics and ex vivo Expansion on Cell Pluripotency
Grant Duration:
01/01/2008 – 12/31/2009
Disease(s):
Research Tools: Cytotherapeutics
Sponsor(s):
American Bullmastiff Association, Briard Club of America Health & Education Trust, National Beagle Club, Yorkshire Terrier Club of America
Researcher(s):
Dr. Susan Volk, VMD PhD
Breed(s):
All Dogs
Abstract:
Background: Special cells can be isolated from bone marrow (mesenchymal stem cells or MSCs) and used to produce different types of cells that form bone, muscle, cartilage or nervous tissue. These cells can be put back into the body in order to replace cells damaged by inherited diseases, trauma, or age associated conditions in order to restore function to a wide variety of tissues and organs. Clinical trial using MSCs in humans are currently underway and provide a basis for exciting new therapies for many of the most common ailments of dogs: heart failure, neurologic conditions, osteoarthritis, kidney and liver diseases and diabetes. A major hurdle in the development of rational stem cell therapy clinical trials in dogs is a general lack of understanding of basic properties of canine MSCs. Objective: This studies will define optimal donor characteristics, culture conditions, and safety for using these MSC to treat dogs. Understanding basic properties of these specialized cells from dogs will bring promising stem cell therapies closer to reality in veterinary medicine.
Active Grant: 976
Investigating the Role of STAT3 Activation in Canine Osteosarcoma
Grant Duration:
04/01/2008 – 03/31/2010
Disease(s):
Oncology: Osteosarcoma
Sponsor(s):
American Boxer Charitable Foundation, American Bullmastiff Association, Briard Club of America Health & Education Trust, Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation, German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America, Great Pyrenees Club of America, Greyhound Club of America, Leonberger Health Foundation, Mastiff Club of America, St. Bernard Club of America, Starlight Fund
Researcher(s):
Dr. Cheryl London, DVM PhD
Breed(s):
All Dogs
Abstract:
Background: Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone tumor in dogs and despite aggressive treatment with amputation and chemotherapy, nearly all dogs die of their disease within 2 years of diagnosis. Unfortunately there have been no significant advancements in the treatment of OSA over the past 15 years. The researchers’ laboratory has been working on defining the molecular biology of OSA and has recently identified a cellular pathway that appears to be important for OSA cell survival. This involves a protein called STAT3 that is often abnormally activated in human cancers and has not yet been investigated in canine cancers. Several canine OSA cell lines tested were found to have excessive STAT3 activation indicating that this pathway may be useful for therapeutic intervention. Objective: In support of this information, the preliminary data demonstrates that an inhibitor of STAT3 activation is capable of killing canine OSA cell lines. The purpose of this grant is to perform a more thorough evaluation of STAT3 in canine OSA by determining the actual prevalence of STAT3 activation in canine OSA and by testing the ability of new STAT3 inhibitors developed by Columbus Children’s Hospital to kill OSA cell lines. These studies will define the role of STAT3 in canine OSA and lay the groundwork for future clinical trials of STAT3 inhibitors in dogs with devastating disease.
Financial Information:
Income
Donations/
Raffle Income
$14,200.75
Agility & Obed Trials
$33,147.00
Bullmastiff Times
$ 292.70
Total Income
$47, 640.45
Total H & R Funds
CHF Donor Advised Fund
**$91.793.17
ABA Account
**$
**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: H & R committee member, Bill Rumsey, completed research into developing a health & longevity database. It became clear that the most efficient path to take would be to emulate the longstanding database, Berner-Garde. The developer of this database has helped other breeds establish databases and is willing to work with us on the project. The Berner-Garde database can be explored at www.bernergarde.org.
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. Together we can work toward better health and longevity for bullmastiffs. As always, we welcome your ideas and thoughts.
JUDGES EDUCATION COMMITTEE
ANNUAL REPORT
Submitted by Chairperson, Carol Beans
The Judges Education Committee is working on the second draft of it’s new educational material. If all goes smoothly we should have it completed by the end of the year. It is a large project and an important one so we are carefully attending to all the details. The present material has been around for quite a while and it is definitely time for a new approach. The committee has had three conference calls working on the material.
As soon as the final draft of the new Judges Education material is completed it will be submitted to the ABA Board for approval
There will be a Judges Education seminar at the Nationals plus ringside mentoring for judges and those who have already applied for their license.
Several judge applicants have received ringside mentoring at shows around the country in the last few months. The Committee has received requests for participation in Judges Workshops at two different areas of the country for the first few months of the year.
If any ABA members receive requests for ringside mentoring from people applying to judge our breed please refer them to the ABA website to the Mentors List so they can find someone in their area to help them or refer them to me and I will direct them to the closest mentor for their area.
GOVERNMENT/CLUB RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Submitted by Chairperson Howard Gussis
The Government / Club Relations Committee’s focus seems to have changed and matured in its approach. We now try to handle things on a very regional level. Legislators for the most part only care about the opinions of voters that actually vote for them.
The most effective way to do this is for the membership to alert the committee as to pending legislation in their area. We can then help draft letters, find legislators, and most importantly get them teamed up with a dog federation in their state, if one exists, other breed clubs and organizations. The amount of resources that now exist is much better than a few years ago.
Things on the legislative front have been a little quieter this year. This is probably due to the economy. There seems to be more attempts at breeding restrictions, mandatory spay neuter, and anti docking/cropping laws than breed specific legislation. In the first year of this committee most proposed legislation was BSL.
The legislators seem to be less focused on dog law right now. My concern is the propaganda commercials against pure bred dogs and breeders. PETA and HSUS are spending a lot of money trying to convince people that pure bred dog breeders are practicing eugenics. That for every dog we produce one in a shelter must die.
I think one of the best ways to combat this is through community involvement. We must educate the public by participating in charity dog walks, having representatives at the meet the breed booths, etc. We need to attend shelter and rescue events to let people know that we take care of our breed when one of them is in trouble.
We must inform the public and legislators and even veterinarians that the small local hobby breeder is the best way to obtain a pure bred dog. Let them know that a responsible breeder is a mentor to the new puppy owner and an asset to the community.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
ANNUAL REPORT
Submitted by Donna Pendleton
The year 2009 was action packed for the Membership Committee.
Along with the usual tasks, we also had a Task Force Committee working on a new Membership Application to present to the ABA Board. The Task Force took time to study membership requirements of other breeds and submitted what we thought would be best for the future of our club and breed. Because of our By-Laws, not all of the Task Force suggestions can be implemented at this time, but we have some great information gathered for the future.
We were also able to get out database updated in 2009. This makes the renewal process much easier for Sara and myself. As always, I try to check each and every renewal for any address, phone, email, etc changes. However, for best results, I would appreciate you e-mailing me (tallyp2001@yahoo.com) any changes that you may have during the year.
The Regional Membership Reps were a great help to me last year during the renewal process. Hopefully things will go as well this year. I also have an occasional applicant wanting to meet other ABA members in their area and have referred these prospective members to their regional reps.
Once again I would like to thank Sara Patchen, Lindy Whyte and Linda Neville for all of their help. I think we have accomplished great things together and your support and friendship means the world to me.
This years new Membership Renewal offers a new option for members with 30 years or more of membership. The Lifetime Membership offers members with 30 or more years full privileges and members may forgo the renewal payment if so wished.
My goal for the future is still to be able to implement electronic renewals. Our 2008-2009 membership count is 674. With that many members, an electronic payment option could save a lot of postage and paper!
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding the Membership Committee.
ABA 2009 NATIONAL SPECIALTY
COMMITTEE REPORT
Submitted by Chairperson Nicole Jill Parker
First, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone that has been working so hard on making the 2009 National a huge success! If it wasn’t for all the people that chip in and volunteer, we would not be able to undertake such a huge project!
A special thank you to Adele Pfenninger and Robert Manuel for designing our logo! We are so proud of it!
Kathy, Vickie, Paula and I have been working and planning for this show for the past 3 years. It is very exciting to us that it is finally upon us!
One of the biggest project we took on was the creation of the BullyOpoly game. We are happy to report that it has been very successful! The production of the game was paid for by people purchasing squares and the sale of the games has been pure profit for the Nationals! If you haven’t already, make sure to get to the merchandise table and purchase your copy!
We hope you enjoyed the activities that we have had thus far and know you will enjoy the Art Auction and Mardi Gras/Halloween Ball!
Our financial report will be turned in to the board by January 2010. Thanks to everyone for making the trip to Lafayette! We are happy that you came to enjoy the “Joie de Vivre”! in Cajun country!
ABA NEWSLETTER
ANNUAL REPORT
Submitted by Editor, Linda Neville
The primary purpose of the ABA Newsletter is to report to ABA business to the membership, provide Membership renewal forms and publish proposed applicants for membership, by first class mail delivery per the ABA by-Laws. The Newsletter is published 6 times a year on a bi-monthly basis in February, April, June, August, October and December.
The Newsletter provides a copy of the ABA Board minutes to the membership and provides information regarding Board business and events. Individuals applying for membership and new members are published in the Newsletter on a bi-monthly basis. Changes in member address and contact information are published . It is also a venue for regular reports submitted by the AKC Delegate and Committee Chairs.
If space allows, special flyers for Nationals, semi-annuals, regional specialty shows, ABA Committee fund raising events may be included at the discretion of the Editor. All content of the Newsletter is subject to the approval of the ABA Board.
I encourage Committee Chairs and Regional Clubs to use the Website to post show flyers, forms, and fund-raising events info on the ABA Website – where it will be available right away in full color…and easier to find than looking for that last Newsletter!
This year I have been able to hold down the ever increasing costs associated with a paper newletter. I have just re-negotiated our pricing for printing costs with the printer which resulted in an approximately 5% decrease. However, postage increased again this year, so I continue to fold the Newsletter when possible, which results in significant savings. Postage for a folded newsletter is $.61 compared to. postage for a flat newsletter which is $1.05. (all foreign postage is higher)
The costs for the August issue were :
487 Newsletters mailed first class
Printing 500 copies: …………………………..$502.10
postage and processing by the mailer:…….$469.38 (foreign & domestic)
Total: $971.48
I look forward to continuing to serve the membership as Editor in 2010, but if anyone would like to try their hand at editing the Newsletter, and maybe bringing it to the next level as far as production – Please contact me.
REGISTER OF MERIT COMMITTEE
ANNUAL REPORT
Submitted by Chairperson, Lynn Spohr
We have had a busy and productive year. The research database is up and running after the crash earlier. We have added Lori Baker to the team and she works every day to fill in any gaps in data and inputs all new titles and stud book data. She sends me a new update once a month. A very valuable addition to the committee, Lori confirms all data that is submitted for accuracy and sends to me for layout.
I have taken over all design, graphics and layout work. We did a test using the classic layout that you have always seen. When this was presented digitally it did not present clearly. We have redesigned the layout and I have attached a sample for your viewing. We have created a more open, less cluttered presentation, using fonts that are easier to read digitally. The presentation of the point system has been simplified for people to follow. Titles are presented in red, we now bold and underline the titles that are part of the ROM point system. We are breaking down all working titles to each component and bolding and underlying the working titles that count. I ran this by both conformation and performance people and the increased clarity is a real plus. I have over a 1000 pages to lay out and work on this every day. We are attaching a layout on one of my dogs so that you can see how the new design works. I chose Louie since he has get with working and confirmation titles.
Angelo LaMonica is our computer wizard. We are going to an e-book presentation for the digital ROM. We will be submitting a request for software under separate cover. An e-book gives us the security and flexibility that we need. Once we have the software we will create a “test” and make sure we can do all we need to do. We have created a master index and will build the book around it. We can add “chapters” as we wish if the board wishes other things to be included. We are planning on doing a chapter on the best in show dogs for example. Once we have a successful test we will start laying out the e-book for publication.
Vince Grlovich is at the production end of the project so this is a quiet time for him. Anne Wallick does every thing else. She is our chief detective in locating people and creating all the certificates. She also does all the proofing and helps the rest of us. She will handle marketing and sales as well. I am very pleased with the increased efficiency this has given the committee. All of us on the committee are honored and excited about preserving this aspect of the history of our breed.
The dogs receiving ROM awards as of October 2009:
Copper Level
Anthracite Leather Gem
owners/breeders: Charlie & Cheryl Kistler
CH BarbEric’s Abbey Road
owners/breeders: Eric & Barbara Long & Tami Moffatt
BarbEric Maxwell Silver Hammer
bred and owned by Barb and Eric Long
Berg’s I’m a Boomer Too
owner: Alex Immerblum, breeder: Pam Berg
Bulhaven’s Me Too
owner/breeder: Mari Hannigan
CH DOX Stoneridge Bosco Blend CD RA
owner/breeder: Tracy Frost
CH House’s The Best of the Best
owner: T Allen, breeder: A & L House
CH Leathernecks Stealin’ Hearts
owner: Mari Hannigan, breeder: A & J Robinson
CH Newcastle’s Love Stuck Romeo
breeders/owners: Anthony & Karen Scully
Am/Can CH Onan of Knatchbull
breeders/owners: Andy & Helene Hansmann
CH Royal Jewel of HeartsLuv
bred by Michael Wayda & Denise Kruger, owned by Renea Vaughn
Sumertym After Dark
owner: T & R Younger, T Allen,
breeder: Lee Ann Stagg, Troy Allen & Kathy Manuel
CH Tarheel’s Friendly Expo Eloc
owner/breeder: Debbie Evans
CH Tartans Little Rascal of Cana RA
owner: Don, Karen & Garth Clewis & Tracy Frost,
breeder: Garth Clewis & Susan Crawford
CH Will-O-Way Never is Enuf RA
owners/breeders: Gwen Bader & David Spong
Bronze Level
A/C Ch. Bastion’s Pop the Cork
bred and owned by Bob and Lynn Spohr
Ch. Shady Oak Nellie of Glenetty -
owners/breeders: Pam Kochuba & Robin Dowding
A/C Ch. Water’s She’s a Bastion Babe
Bred and owned by Leland and Cindie Waters
Co-owned by Bob and Lynn Spohr
Ch. Leatherneck’s Red Storm Rising
owner: Larry Fisher, breeders: A & J Robinson
2009 ABA RESCUE REPORT
Submitted by Virginia Rowland
This may have been our busiest year. We are fortunate that the number of committed volunteers is greater than ever. The reasons for surrender are many. I am not a statistician but I’d guess the number one reason is financial. Many people contact us because their homes are being foreclosed or they have to move to a smaller home which doesn’t allow them to move into with a dog over 100 pounds. This is a very sad situation for all involved.
The owners of these dogs love them and it’s very upsetting for them to give up the dogs. We ALWAYS try to find out who the breeder of the dog was and instruct owners to contact the breeder first. Typically the dog was either purchased from a pet shop or from some kind of commercial breeder – I like to call them puppy mill – that doesn’t care what happens to the puppy once they are paid.
We also get a lot of dogs that are being given up because they don’t get along with other dogs – either other dogs in the family or a neighbor’s dog. In many states, dog aggressive dogs if they have been involved in a reported altercation with another dog are adjudicated to be “dangerous”. We can’t assist with such a dog, but if we are contacted about an animal aggressive Bullmastiff that doesn’t have such a tag we will try to help.
And of course we also get many dogs from shelters, but I’d guess the majority of dogs we get now are owner surrenders. Owners donʼt want to take a dog to a shelter, particularly if they think the shelter is a kill shelter and will try and find a rescue group to help. The internet really helps. For those of us who foster, this is a plus. A dog who is an owner surrender is less likely to have some kind of virus than a shelter dog but a lot of the dogs that are owner surrenders need vet care that the owners cannot afford.
We will not take any dog that has any kind of history of aggression to people – it doesnʼt have to be a bite, I always ask specifically if the dog has growled, snapped, etc. Most, but not all of the time, we get an honest answer to this question. The cost of euthanasia has become so high that some people will lie about their dogʼs history or temperament and our volunteers know that if the dog shows any signs of aggression not to take the dog, and if the dog shows any signs of aggression while being fostered he should be euthanized.
We also get dogs that need to be euthanized for health reasons and the owner will lie because they canʼt afford the cost, or weʼll get the dog from a shelter and discover he has major health issues. that require euthanasia.
It used to be that Iʼd tell people we never got puppies, but this year weʼve had a few bitches that either were surrendered with puppies or were so pregnant when surrendered hat they had to go to term. I am really grateful to the volunteers who have helped with these litters. These numbers do not represent a completely accurate total of the number of dogs that were fostered and re-homed or otherwise dealt with in the United States but gives a good idea of the numbers involved. All of us are volunteers and we donate our time, some
volunteers keep better records than others. The number of dogs we helped does not include the number of dogs we investigated/followed up on: dogs that were posted on Craigslist for free or some other internet sale,shelter listings that didnʼt want our help, or dogs that turned out to be some other breed or mix, etc.
New England: 52 dogs (5 euthanized all for temperament issues)
Florida: 88 dogs (8 dogs euthanized, 5 for health reasons)
Tennessee (which helps with 57 dogs
dogs from many Arkansas,Alabama, Kentucky and Mississippi)
Texas (also helps with dogs from Oklahoma) 21 dogs, 18 rehomed, 3 euthanized, 8 owner
Oklahoma) surrenders, 13 dogs from shelters
New Jersey, New York and Eastern PA (this includes parts of 94 dogs helped – 9 euthanized, all but one for temperament issues)
Western PA, 14 dogs helped – 3 euthanized, 1 for health issues and 2 for temperament
Ohio (includes some dogs from Indiana & Kentucky) 40 helped, 4 euthanized 3 for temperament issues
Indiana 8 dogs
Michigan 25 dogs including two litters of puppies, 2 euthanized – 1 for health reasons 1 for temperament
Virginia 6 dogs – 1 euthanized for temperament issues
Georgia 8 dogs
Louisiana 5 dogs
Missouri 7 dogs
Kansas 2 dogs
Wisconsin 5 dogs
California 15 dogs – all re-homed except for 1 euthanized for aggression
Arizona (this includes dogs from Nevada and New Mexico) 35 dogs, including 11 puppies, 1 dog euthanized for medical reason
Northwest (Washington, Oregon Idaho, Montana) 34 dogs helped
TOTAL 516
This report does not document all the phone calls, home visits, e-mails, mentoring and referrals that our volunteers make
TOP 20 COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT
Submitted by Chairperson, Kimberly Silva
2009 marks the ABA’s fourth annual Top 20 Event and I am proud to say it’s best year to date. Six years ago the Top 20 was still just a vision I imagined for my breed and now it’s a full reality in which our breed should be very proud of. The Top 20 has taken to our breed just as I had imagined. It’s not your usual event during nationals week and that is what makes it so unique. It’s our chance to celebrate the top dogs, breeders, owners, and handlers in a black tie evening of cocktails, tux’s, gowns, and judging.
Each year the Top 20 has brought something new to its venue and I would like to continue this tradition. Those additions we have implemented each year are still a part of the Top 20 tradition. 2007 we began the “Viewers Choice Award” enabling spectators a chance to vote for their favorite entrant during judging. 2009 will be our third year of a special Top 20 feature in the August Bulletin. All Top 20 qualifiers are invited to place an ad in the Bulletin at a special discounted rate building anticipation and excitement as a preview for the Top 20 Event. Last year we introduced our Top 20 Challenge Trophy , a stunning Dannyquest design of a standing Bullmastiff with a long flowing ribbon on top a wood base. Once won by the same owners, not necessarily with the same dog, the trophy will become retired. There are so many ways we can build on to the Top 20 since it is a new event- if you have an idea please let the committee know.
Moving forward into our fifth year we will have a new chairperson, Lindy Whyte, who graciously volunteered to take over for me with Gerald Greer as co-chair. Lindy has been a constant supporter of the event since its inception and she fully understands its importance and value to our breed. I am very excited to see what Lindy and Gerald, along with the committee will come up with. Our fifth year is a very special one and I confident they will make this happen.
No event is complete without the support of fellow members. If you have an idea and would like to join the committee please let your new chairperson know.
I thank you very much for your encouragement and support of such a spectacular addition to our national venue and breed.
Committee Members for 2009:
Sharon Baratto
Melissa Baussman
Judi Buckhardt
Annie Figueroa
Craig Garcia
Gerald Greer
Heather Johnson
Kathy Manuel
Rebecca Martin
Michele McGovern
Nicole Parker
Linda Silva
Kimberly Silva
Lindy Whyte
WEBSITE COMMITTEE
ANNUAL REPORT
Submitted by Webmaster, Chris Rasmussen
The website has seen a few changes and additions this year. We added a moderated blog where members can post and view news pertinent to ABA members. As usual, we made hundreds of updates to the site in the last year, from breeder changes/deletions/additions to new rescue dogs in the popular “New Beginnings” page. We’ve also added a few more ways that folks can donate to their favorite ABA causes, including a PayPal button for donating money for food to rescue dogs, and the Health and Research Raffle. Several Standing Rules pages were updated. On a technical note, we’ve cleaned up the look a little bit by adding standardized cascading style sheets. The site is becoming more easily accessible on search engines, too. A search for “Bullmastiff Breeders” brings the ABA breeder site up as the second hit. We are currently investigating ways to further search engine optimization for the site.
A special thank you to Dawna Starr for her excellent work on the Nationals portion of the website! We would love volunteers, so if you have web skills and would like to help, please contact Chris Rasmussen: exlibrisbmf@gmail.com
WORKING DOG COMMITTEE
ANNUAL REPORT
Submitted by Chairperson Shirley LaFlamme
Nine bullmastiffs will be receiving Working Dog (WD) awards this year. 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.
The WD awards have been updated to include the new AKC agility and obedience titles available. Several additional agility titles have been proposed and will be added once they are official. Also, a Therapy Dog Excellent level was added to acknowledge dogs completing 45 or more visits.
Breed specific legislation continues to be a very real threat, and 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.
Hello,