Page 25 - Chow LIfe - Summer 2022

President’s

Message

by Cathy Clapp

As you read this, our 2022 National is in the rear-view mirror. I again want to thank
JoAnne Lesko and all of those on her show committee for the delightful week they
hosted for us. It was wonderful to see so many people in attendance as we finally
started emerging from lockdowns. Not only did we have many familiar faces there, but
some new ones as well. I hope that everyone had a chance to visit with those they knew
and made some new friends too.
We are seeing some new people in our breed and I hope that you will take time to
introduce yourself and say hello when you do see someone you don’t know. Many of
us have been at it for so long we’ve forgotten how confusing and intimidating showing
the first few times can be. But that doesn’t mean we should have forgotten how to be
friendly and offer help. It doesn’t matter if it’s to help them find the ring, going to a ven-
dor with them to help them select tools of the trade, or showing them how to groom
their dog – just be kind and remember there was a time you didn’t know everything,
either.
On another note, this is the Awards Issue for Chow Life, spotlighting our top placing
dogs from last year. In addition, the criteria for all awards are published in this is-
sue. Take some time and read through them. See what awards you might want to set
your sights on. Top Ten? Top Five Bitches? Top Ten Obedience or Rally? Champion
of Health? There are many awards that are totally attainable by just about anyone who
puts their mind to it. There are so many things you can do with your Chow! Don’t rel-
egate them to role of “couch potato” when you could be having so much fun together.
That said, next May we will be in South Sioux Falls, Nebraska (right across the state line
from Iowa). We have a wonderful venue in addition to the fabulous panel that was vot-
ed on by the membership for Conformation. We have an Obedience/Rally judge that is
well-known for his sense of humor (kind of a necessity judging Chows in sports), and
for the first time that I’m aware of, we will have an evaluator for Trick Dog and Canine
Good Citizen that can evaluate ALL levels, not just the Novice levels. You have plenty
of time to train your dogs if you start now. Set your sights higher than just the confor-
mation ring – set your sights on gaining a leg in obedience or rally or even one of the
New Title Rosettes that is only available for those participating in performance sports
(Obedience, Rally, Trick Dog, Canine Good Citizen). So start making your plans now
to join us “Rowin’ Down The River” – after all, shouldn’t South Sioux Falls, Nebraska
be on everyone’s bucket list? I really hope to see you there.

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