Page 17 - Chow Life - Fall 2025

President’s Message

by CATHY CLAPP

It's fall and hopefully you have cooler weather This issue is also the National Specialty
for your Chows to enjoy in case you don't. issue. As you look through the winners and
It's also time to vote for your future board candids from the wonderful week we had in
members and renew your dues. Wilmington, Ohio are you wishing you were
there? If you were there are you reminiscing
As you vote, consider what you want for the about the good time we all had? Then make
future of the club, what direction you want it your plans for Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2026. And
to go. If you are not happy with the candidates, plan ahead for March 2027 where our National
then consider throwing your own hat into Specialty will be held with the Kentuckiana
the ring next year. The Board of Directors Cluster of Dog Shows in Louisville, Kentucky.
and Officers are ordinary members of the The Louisville shows are consistently the
club, just like you. The difference is that they largest in the country behind the December
have stepped up and agreed to help take on Orlando shows with the AKC National
responsibility for the club and its policies. Championship.
No one person has total control, not even the
President. In fact, the President does not vote So, start making plans and don't forget to give
unless there is a tie so the voice of each Board your Chow a hug. After all, no matter who
member is important. The Board meets four wins or loses, the best dog is the one in your
times a year – three by Zoom and the spring living room.
meeting is in person at the National Specialty
site. So, think about it. While fficers positions
only come up every two years, three three-year
terms of Director positions open every year.
What do you have to offer?

We also had to raise dues for the coming
year. I honestly can't remember the last time
they were raised but it's been years. With
the increasing cost of well, everything, and
declining membership, it was necessary. That
said, do you know anyone with Chows? That
cares about the breed? You don't need to show
to join the club, just care about the breed,
its history, its purpose and our standard.
Invite those you know to join us. Get them
involved. Their dog may not belong in the
conformation ring but how about encouraging
Rally? Obedience? FastCAT? Barn Hunt? Scent
Work? There are so many sports that Chows
can take part in now. For that fact, even if you
do show, consider trying some of the sports
available. For instance, FastCAT and Coursing
Ability require no training at all – just the
instinct to chase after that plastic bag that
looks a lot like a bunny on the run.

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