Official Newsletter of the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of

Official Newsletter of the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of Northern California
January 2013
Newsletter Editor:
Volume 1 - Issue 1
Diane Marsh
fdmarsh@comcast.net
2013 Club Officers
President
Francis Marsh
Vice President Cindy Heiller, DVM
Secretary
Debbie Lewis
Treasurer
Diane Marsh
2013 Directors
Silke Alberts
Randy Berry
Frank Ely
Robert Lewis
Joan Payton
Club Web Site:
www.gwpcnc.9f.com
Web Master:
Kathy Kimberlin user6021@aol.com
Informational Web Sites
AKC
American Kennel Club
www.akc.org
GWPA
German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America
www.gwpca.com
GWPCNC
German Wirehaired Pointer Club of N. California
www.gwpcnc.9f.com
NAVHDA
N. American Versatile Hunting Dog Association
www.navhda.org
OFA
Orthopedic Foundation For Animals
www.offa.org
VHDF
Versatile Hunting Dog Federation
www.vhdf.org
1
Welcome New Members:
Scott Azevedo
Randy Baker
Julie Duarte
Laurie Higgins
Cookie and I are taking a couple of friends from the Mount Tamalpais Fly Fishers pheasant
hunting on Saturday. She can still run all morning at age ten, and find more birds than any
three Labradors working together. She gets an aspirin that night and I try not to hunt her two
days in a row. She is still the prettiest girl in the county.
Best regards,
Larry Friedman
CH. Weidenhugel Vixen V Einer MH, Lexi , turned 14 on Jan 14 and is still going strong. I
need to get another picture of her in the field hunting, since she still enjoys going out.
Sharon Jahn
2
Bob Rittenhouse and Dutch (13 years young)
(after a freezing rain)
3
VHDF Trials
January 18-19, 2013
Theresa, Argos & Gary
Gary sending Argos out
Silke, Rolf & Gary
George & Willie
4
Pictures taken by John Nunnes while on a Private Property Hunt in North Dakota
Holy Smoking Shotguns - There are birds everywhere!!!!!!
5
The Kennel Von Duffin Gang
Kennel Von Duffin gang leader Von Duffin's Knock on Wood (Ebony)
6
Smudge in Kansas
Smudge at Hastings Island
Smudge honoring Flirt (totally natural honor)
Smudge's Favorite Place
7
Brew is 13 years young
CH. Surefire Home Brewed Secret JH
8
I have a couple of brags for you...
1st I have a new Siberian Husky boy I will be co-owning with Lori Chou & Craig Lachman. Our new
boy is Int Ch Couloir's Cerulean Sins, Asher. Craig has already started to train Asher for sled races as a wheel
dog. This past weekend (1/12-13), I showed Asher to his FCI International Championship at the IABCA shows
in Santa Rosa. (picture is the grey & white dog with blue backdrop)
2nd at the same International show my Siberian Husky boy Jagger (Nat/Int/CACH-S/Am Ch
SnowyCreek's Paint It Black) took BOB twice. The second BOB also earned a coveted Group 1! These shows
earned Jagger the title of Honors Champion level Silver (CACH-S). (picture is the black and white dog in group
ring with Judge Clyde Morris - his G1!)
We'll probably not be at anymore shows until the March 4-day cluster in Vallejo. Hopefully I'll have
some sled racing brags till then - think SNOW!!
Diane Willett, CAH
9
Champion Weidenhugel Jetta V Tref




New Champion, finishing with 2, back to back 5 point majors at the Sacramento Dog Fanciers Kennel
Club in Oct, 2012.
Finished 2012 as the #1 in the GWPCA Top Ten Junior Field dogs (puppy and derby combined).
GWPCA National Field Trial : 4th in the Derby Classic (handled by Sharon)
2nd in the Field Futurity (handled by Linda Azevedo –
Thank you Linda and Scott for conditioning and training Jetta.
10
CH. Surefire's Thorny Little Secret JH
(Briar)
(Best of Breed under judge Kenneth Clements)
Briar in the Blue Buffalo dog food commercial
11
Field Top Ten January thru October 2012
OPEN SENIOR DOGS (GUN DOGS)
Dog Name
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Owner
FC Brillow's Wild
West Ponder Rosa
Uodibar's Freebee
DC Dual Shot's Behind Bars
FC AFC Wireswest
Radical Girl MH
DC Sure Shot's Sonora Gone Heywire
NAFC DC AFC Ariels Justa Gotta Go
Now
High Power’s Jolt
To The System
DC Jonnee Blue
DC AFC Wireswest
Mardi Gras
Backwoods Drama
Queen
J Sodoro
Number of Dogs Defeated
125
Placement
5
Wisch/Haukoos
Yamashita/Hawkins
123
100
6
7
M Eden
83
6
P Ljungren
82
3
M Ezzo VMD/B
Brawn
70
4
B DeLaby
62
2
R Lewis/R Berry
M Eden
60
60
3
3
Dixon/Barrett-Dixon
55
3
In Open Senior Gun Dogs, a total of 29 GWPs placed 70 times, defeating 1,207 dogs.
JUNIOR DOGS (PUPPY/DERBY COMBINED)
1
2
3
4
5
Dog Name
Weidenhugel Jetta V Treff
Duchess Abigail of Weiss
Idawire Apple Pie Ala Mode
Ironwires Aquire The Fire
Rocks Cynister
Backwoods Leroy Robert
6
Weidenhugel Kate V Gus
7
8
Backwoods Cornelius
Sure Shot's It's A Jungle
Out There
Blueridge Foxie Sadie
Grace
Idawire Cynister Jagged
Edge
9
9
Owner
S Jahn
P Weiss
B & S Mueller
B Dean/L Magoon
# Dogs Defeated
42
35
33
25
Placements
8
5
3
5
E Barrett Dixon/G
Dixon
Heiller/Boyd/Sandor
/Eden
T Lococo
P Ljungren/B
Brawn
M Headrick
24
4
21
4
18
17
2
3
16
3
J Quesnell/C
Magoon
16
2
In Junior Dogs, a total of 30 GWPs placed 71 times, defeating 362 dogs.
12
GOLDEN GATE KENNEL CLUB - BENCHED SHOWS
We joyously attended this year's shows and came home winners. There were fourteen wirehairs entered this
year, which made for a major in dogs both days and each day the judge crossed the bitch over for the points.
Weidenhugel Lola V Sep (3ptt major)
(handler Francis Marsh)
Weidenhugel Kate V Gus (5 pt. major)
Handler Kathi Boyd - Seen here with Cindy Heiller
Judy Rowley & Becca, Kate's mother
Weidenhugel Luca V Sep finished 5 pts.
Handler Leslie Puppo - Frank & Patti Ely owners
HH Lookout Field Marshall ( 3pt. major)
(Kathi Boyd Handler)
13
GOLDEN GATE KENNEL CLUB - BENCHED SHOWS
What a great time we had at the Cow Palace this year. Once again, meeting old and new friends and
a chance to put our hands on some quality dogs.
There were a few tense moments in the beginning when Joe Sepulveda, who was going to decorate our
bench, did not show up until 6:00 PM Friday night with the decorations. Decorating time is from 8:30 am to
6:00 pm on Friday. However, he did bring many items with him and everything worked out just fine.
The event would not have been complete without the help of Shirley Hoskins. Shirley did everything
from holding dogs at ringside to providing comic relief. Way to go Shirley!
Joann Steffes came with three of her dogs. She took the breed on Saturday with her specials bitch, but
we forgave her and still talked to her (LOL).
Leslie Puppo brought her specials bitch, Tutu and took the breed with Jeff Heim handling on Sunday.
Leslie handled Weidenhugel Luca V Sep and took the 5-point major on Saturday (which finished him). Owners
Frank and Patti Ely were beaming. Luca started his show career with Leslie last year at the Cow Palace so it
was fitting that he should finish here.
Bill McFadden handled CH, Cadenberg F. Argos V Sep for Theresa and Gary Bonini on Saturday in the
best of breed class (he is only 10 months old. He finished from the 6 to 9 month class). However, he told them
that no amount of money could make him handle Argos on Sunday unless they were nowhere to be seen. Bill
banished them to the very cheap seats at the highest point in the stands. Apparently, Argos had seen Theresa
and Gary on Saturday and he was a real handful.
Lynn Sandor kept all of the kids in line with Kathi Boyd's "magic dog brush." One little bonk on the top
of the head and you have their attention. Good job Lynn. Lynn was also beaming because Kate, a Gus
daughter, took the 5-point major on Saturday.
Judy Rowley came all the way from Carmel Valley to support us. She actually came to pick up the
toolbox she had won at the raffle in October, (not really). It was good to see her and learn about Roadie's latest
adventures in Agility.
Debbie Lewis was there with Champion Robin Crest DoubleEE Fire When Ready JH. Jean GuachatHargis showed Ellee Jean in the Best of Breed class. Ellee got around very nicely despite the fact that she had a
very large cyst growing between her toes. The cyst did not show its ugly self until Tuesday when it
exploded in Debbie's hand. Ellee had been having some problems with her foot, but the vet's could not find anything. I guess by Deb soaking her foot in Epsom salts brought it out. Here's hoping she heals quickly.
Pam Brann, assisted by Francis Marsh, showed Winter Creek's Playboy JH (Hefner) who took the points
for dogs on Saturday and Sunday and V.D. Nacht-Winter Creek's Country Wind (Wendi) who took the points
for bitches on Sunday. Pam has been giving Francis handling lessons. She is determined to make him a first
class handler.
I showed GCH. RLB's Flirting With Fame JH (Flirt) on Saturday. Just as we were ready to go into the
ring Flirt looked up at me as if to say "Mommy why are we doing this? I am already a Grand Champion and I
want to go hunting!) To say she was difficult to show this day is an understatement. I always think I am
flying around the ring with "feet of Fire." However, I am told I was going at the pace of a snail on crutches.
I did run the soles of my shoes off. Therefore, I retired the shoes, myself and Flirt from the show ring. The fact
that my back, shins, and knees were throbbing from flying around that concrete ring had everything to do with
this decision. You should have seen Flirt Sunday morning when I told her that she was not showing anymore.
Kathi Boyd was busy as usual. She showed aVizsla on Saturday and took the dog points. She showed
three wirehairs each day (with her feet throbbing with pain). We need to get her into surgery. We just need to
figure out how to tie her down long enough. Despite her painful feet, she put points on Kate on Saturday and
Marshall on Sunday. She is a real gamer!!
Jill Otto came all the way from Eureka to join us. She also brought Suton Crepu Visage Some Bunny
Loves Me at Sunspot (Scotch). Scotch, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, took the dog points on Saturday and
Best Puppy on Sunday. Owner handled, of course.
14
Jill joined several of us for dinner at Frank & Patti's on Saturday. We broke out the champagne to celebrate Luca's new champion title. Jill made two awesome things for the dinner. One was a lime jell-o salad and
the other was a chocolate torte that I would assassinate for. Cindy Heiller made out of this world spaghetti sauce
to go over penne pasta. Pam Brann was the official bartender!
Well, as you all know, all good things must end. Yet, by the time 4:30 came on Sunday afternoon we
were all ready to take down decorations, fold down crates, leash up dogs and head out the door.
However, we had to be careful because if we tried to leave at 4:29 the security guards, want to be cops, from
hell would have stopped us. So is the way of a benched show.
I am certainly looking forward to next year. My dog will be entered in exhibition only, but I am sure
there will be others that are willing to show their big wirehaired hearts out. Until next year, keep smiling!!
Please see results pages after pictures.
I hope that you enjoy the pictures.
The Bench
Francis, Becca, Frank & Patti
Patti Ely, Luca, Mick, Becca, Marshall
Shirley Hoskins
Frank, Patti & Kathi
15
Theresa, Argos, Sep & Gary
Argos, Theresa, Henri & Gary
Henri
Rolf, Argos, Rolf playing with a game of intelligence
Rescue posters made by Kathy Kimberlin
Lucca (let me out of here)
Mick, Patti, Kathi & Marshall
Francis & Lola
Shirley (the clown)
Debbie & Ellee Jean (Ellee thinks mom has
cookies in her pocket)
16
Cindy, Kate, Becca & Judy
Lynn Sandor & Mick
Bill & Argos
Leslie & Luca
Get off the phone
Kathi & Mick
Lynn & Marshall
Pam watching the action
Jean & Ellee
honorary wirehairs
17
GOLDEN GATE KENNEL CLUB BENCHED SHOWS
1/26/2013
JUDGE: Mr. William R. Russell
Saturday
POINTERS (GERMAN WIREHAIRED). Puppy, 6 & Under 9 Months Dogs.
1
GERONIMO'S HOTWIRE HANSEN. SR 73830201. 05-23-12By GCH Reece Afterhours The Buck Stops Here
JH - Ch Inverness Jagged Lace JH. Owner: Joann Steffes & Jehnet Carlson, Marysville, CA 959019472
#5
POINTERS (GERMAN WIREHAIRED). Puppy, 9 & Under 12 Months Dogs.
1/R
#6
CYNISTER IDAWIRES PARTY MONSTER. SR 72824002. 03-05-12
By GCH Mountainviews Ripsnortersilvercharm - Ch Cynister Idawires Shattered Image.
Owner: Cathie Magoon & Jodi L Quesnell, Marysville, CA 95901. Breeder: Cathie Magoon & Jodi L Quesnell.
(Brandon Lee Campbell, Agent).
2
#15
WEIDENHUGEL MICK V GUS. SR 71661403. 02-11-12By DC Wildwings Shameless - Ch Weidenhugel Hope
V Joey JH. Owner: C Heiller DVM & Kathy Boyd & Lynn Sandor, Santa Rosa, CA 954013832. Breeder: C Heiller
DVM & Kathy Boyd.(Kathy Boyd, Agent).
3
#19
CADENBERG ILAIR V. SEP. SR 72386805. 03-13-12 By DC Nyramskov's H. Hector - Ch Solvraevens Fie.
Owner: Anne Marie Johnston & William Darrell Penoli, Sonoma, CA 95476. Breeder: Silke Alberts.
POINTERS (GERMAN WIREHAIRED). Open Dogs.
1/W
(5
Points)
#10
WEIDENHUGEL LUCA V SEPP. SR 69059901. 07-17-11 By DC Nyramskov's H Hector - Ch Scotian Xtra
Time RN. Owner: Frank & Patti Ely, Woodland, CA 95695. Breeder: Cynthia Heiller.(Leslie Puppo, Agent).
2
#12
HH LOOKOUT FIELD MARSHAL. SR 69016406. 07-04-11 By Ch Ripsnorter's Mt View Lookout - Ch RLB's
Got Moxie At Drakkar MH. Owner: Cynthia Heiller DVM & Kathleen Boyd & Ed Shupp, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.
Breeder: Edwin Shupp & Joyce Wilkinson & James Witt.
POINTERS (GERMAN WIREHAIRED). Open Bitches.
2/R
#11
1/W/BW #16
(5
Points)
WEIDENHUGEL LOLA V SEPP. SR 69059902. 07-17-11 By DC Nyramskov's H Hector - Ch Scotian Xtra
Time RN. Owner: Cynthia Heiller & Kathy Boyd, Santa Rosa, CA 954013832. Breeder: Cynthia Heiller DVM.
WEIDENHUGEL KATE V GUS. SR 68080501. 04-12-11 By DC Wildwings Shameless - Ch Weidenhugel
Becca V Blitz JH. Owner: C Heiller & K Boyd & L Sandors & M Eden, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Breeder: Cynthia
Heiller DVM & Kathleen Boyd.
POINTERS (GERMAN WIREHAIRED). Best of Breed Competition.
B
#7
GCH GERONIMO'S GODDESS V DAZZLE. SR 57376702. 06-01-09By Ch Cynisters Winter Solostice - Ch
Geronimo's Dazzle V Inverness JH. Bitch. Owner: JoAnn Steffes & Laura Myles, Marysville, CA 95901.
SEL
#8
CH AIMN HI SCOTIAN GHOST DANCE. SR 54663006. 04-02-09By AFC DC Jetsets Ragtop Day At Scotian
CD JH - Ch Wildcoi Ima Gypsy Dancer. Bitch. Owner: Laura Reeves & Leslie Puppo, Kelseyville, CA 95451.
Breeder: J & C Isum & G Capstaff.
(Jeff Heim, Agent).
#9
GCH RLB'S FLIRTING WITH FAME JH. SR 53204514. 10-18-08
By Ch RLB's Mac The Knight MH - Ch Scotian Xtra Time RN. Bitch. Owner: Diane Marsh & Francis Marsh &
Cynthia Heiller DVM, Roseville, CA 957476480. Breeder: Roger Bultman.
#18
CH CADENBERG F. ARGOS V SEP. SR 72386802. 03-13-12 By DC Nyramskov's H. Hector CGC - Ch
Solvraevens Fie CGC. Dog. Owner: Gary & Theresa Bonini, Redwood City, CA 940634426. Breeder: Silke Alberts.(Taffe McFadden, Agent).
OS
POINTERS (GERMAN WIREHAIRED). Exhibition Only.
#14
CH WEIDENHUGEL BECCA V BLITZ. SR 34000601. 04-23-06 By NFC DC Rudolph's Blitzen Von Duffin Ch Weidenhugel Xrated V Bama. Owner: Cynthia Heiller DVM & Kathleen Boyd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Breeder: Cynthia Heiller DVM & Kathleen Boyd.
#17
DC NYRAMSKOV'S H HECTOR CGC. SN 91089302. 01-29-02By Porsemosens Sepp - Nyramskov's D Alma.
18
GATE
KENNEL
CLUB
SHOWS
Owner: Gary Bonini,GOLDEN
Redwood City,
CA 94063.
Breeder: Hanne
& Paul
Erik Bjerregaard.
1/27/2013
JUDGE: Mrs. Stephanie S. Hedgepath
Sunday
1
POINTERS (GERMAN WIREHAIRED). Puppy, 6 & Under 9 Months Dogs.
#5
GERONIMO'S HOTWIRE HANSEN. SR 73830201. 05-23-12
By GCH Reece Afterhours The Buck Stops Here JH - Ch Inverness Jagged Lace JH. Owner: Joann Steffes
& Jehnet Carlson, Marysville, CA 959019472. Breeder: J.Carlson
POINTERS (GERMAN WIREHAIRED). Puppy, 9 & Under 12 Months Dogs.
1/R/BP
#6
CYNISTER IDAWIRES PARTY MONSTER. SR 72824002. 03-05-12
By GCH Mountainviews Ripsnortersilvercharm - Ch Cynister Idawires Shattered Image. Owner: Cathie
Magoon & Jodi L Quesnell, Marysville, CA 95901. Breeder: Cathie Magoon & Jodi L Quesnell.(Brandon
Lee Campbell, Agent).
2
#15
WEIDENHUGEL MICK V GUS. SR 71661403. 02-11-12 By DC Wildwings Shameless - Ch
Weidenhugel Hope V Joey JH. Owner: C Heiller DVM & Kathy Boyd & Lynn Sandor, Santa
Rosa, CA 954013832. Breeder: C Heiller DVM & Kathy Boyd.(Kathi Boyd, Agent).
POINTERS (GERMAN WIREHAIRED). Open Dogs.
1/W
(3 Points)
#12
HH LOOKOUT FIELD MARSHAL. SR 69016406. 07-04-11
By Ch Ripsnorter's Mt View Lookout - Ch RLB's Got Moxie At Drakkar MH.
Owner: Cynthia Heiller DVM & Kathleen Boyd & Ed Shupp, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Breeder:
Edwin Shupp & Joyce Wilkinson & James Witt.
POINTERS (GERMAN WIREHAIRED). Open Bitches.
1/W/BW
(3 Points)
#11
2/R
#16
WEIDENHUGEL LOLA V SEPP. SR 69059902. 07-17-11
By DC Nyramskov's H Hector - Ch Scotian Xtra Time RN. Owner: Cynthia Heiller & Kathy
Boyd, Santa Rosa, CA 954013832. Breeder: Cynthia Heiller DVM.
WEIDENHUGEL KATE V GUS. SR 68080501. 04-12-11 By DC Wildwings Shameless - Ch
Weidenhugel Becca V Blitz JH. Owner: C Heiller & K Boyd & L Sandors & M Eden, Santa Rosa, CA
95401. Breeder: Cynthia Heiller DVM & Kathleen Boyd.
POINTERS (GERMAN WIREHAIRED). Best of Breed Competition.
SEL
#7
GCH GERONIMO'S GODDESS V DAZZLE. SR 57376702. 06-01-09
By Ch Cynisters Winter Solostice - Ch Geronimo's Dazzle V Inverness JH. Bitch.
Owner: JoAnn Steffes & Laura Myles, Marysville, CA 95901. Breeder: J.Steffes & L.Myles.
B
#8
CH AIMN HI SCOTIAN GHOST DANCE. SR 54663006. 04-02-09
By AFC DC Jetsets Ragtop Day At Scotian CD JH - Ch Wildcoi Ima Gypsy Dancer. Bitch. Owner: Laura
Reeves & Leslie Puppo, Kelseyville, CA 95451. Breeder: J & C Isum & G Capstaff.(Jeff Heim, Agent).
OS
#10
WEIDENHUGEL LUCA V SEPP. SR 69059901. 07-17-11
By DC Nyramskov's H Hector - Ch Scotian Xtra Time RN. Dog. Owner: Frank & Patti Ely, Woodland,
CA 95695. Breeder: Cynthia Heiller.(Leslie Puppo, Agent).
SEL
#18
CH CADENBERG F. ARGOS V SEP. SR 72386802. 03-13-12 By DC Nyramskov's H. Hector CGC Ch Solvraevens Fie CGC. Dog. Owner: Gary & Theresa Bonini, Redwood City, CA 940634426. Breeder:
Silke Alberts.(Taffe McFadden, Agent).
POINTERS (GERMAN WIREHAIRED). Exhibition Only.
#14
CH WEIDENHUGEL BECCA V BLITZ. SR 34000601. 04-23-06 By NFC DC Rudolph's Blitzen Von Duffin - Ch
Weidenhugel Xrated V Bama. Owner: Cynthia Heiller DVM & Kathleen Boyd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Breeder: Cynthia Heiller DVM & Kathleen Boyd.
#17
DC NYRAMSKOV'S H HECTOR CGC. SN 91089302. 01-29-02 By Porsemosens Sepp - Nyramskov's D Alma.
Owner: Gary Bonini, Redwood City, CA 94063. Breeder: Hanne & Paul Erik Bjerregaard
19
AKC
HUNT TEST and FIELD TRIAL
SEMINAR (for pointing breeds)
March 9 and 10, 2013
Cost is $25 per day per person which includes snacks and lunch and all handouts
location at Tri State Surveying at 1925 E Prater Wy Sparks Nevada
Limited enrollment to first 30 persons
Limited free RV Space on site
contact Cindy Smullen to make arrangements
runningdesire@aol.com or call 775 849 2920 any questions
Motel suggestions
Sparks Super 8 Motel
1900 Greg Street Sparks NV
775 358 8884
John Ascuaga’s Nugget
1100 Nugget Ave Sparks NV
775 356 3300
Cut here
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To reserve your spot, mail check payable to GSPC of RENO
with filled out registration form and mail back to
Cindy Smullen 19795 MIner Ln Reno, NV 89521
Name _______________________________email _____________________________
Phone __________________________
additional names......
I am registering for ( circle one)
________________________________
1.Saturday (Hunt Test Seminar)
2.Sunday (Field Trial Seminar)
3.Both Saturday ad Sunday
________________________________
Start time both days 8 AM
20
How To Properly Fit Your Shot Gun
by John Taylor - November 14, 2012
The key to good wing shooting requires two things, a consistent gun mount and a shotgun that shoots where you look.
Shotguns are pointed, not aimed. If we stood on the curb and I
told you to point your finger at passing vehicles, and then to
point at various distances ahead of them, it would be easy. But
put a gun in your hands and you begin aiming, checking the
distance between your gun and the car; the simple becomes
difficult.
Shooting instructor Gil Ash says, “If you watch a target or bird
for over 10 feet, your brain will know where it will be for the
next 10 feet.” The brain is a wonderful thing, and if we allow our brain to guide the shot and not complicate it
by trying to aim, wing shooting becomes fun. But the key is a gun that fits.
Any gun fitter worth his salt will tell you that a gun cannot be fitted unless you possess a good, consistent
mount. Smacking the butt into your shoulder, craning your head down on the stock, and then chasing after the
target is not a good mount.
A good mount begins with the flush, when the first move is to lock your eyes onto the bird. Simultaneously, the
leading hand—the left hand if you are right-handed—begins moving the muzzles with the bird. Following the
leading hand, the trigger hand guides the gun to the cheek and lastly into the shoulder.
During the entire process the eyes are locked onto the bird, and the gun, driven by the brain, is tracking the bird.
As the gun comes into the shoulder the muzzles move ahead of the bird and the shot is taken. Much of this
trusts the subconscious mind to lead the gun, which has learned through practice, and that’s how it should be.
A fine wingshot with a good gun mount seems to be moving in slow motion. Why? Because his entire effort is
guided by his sharp focus on the bird and totally directed to bringing the gun to the bird in a fluid manner. Develop and practice a good consistent gun mount, and you’re ready for a fitting.
What It’s Worth
The only way to fit a shotgun is by shooting. Some say that inserting a flashlight into the muzzle then pointing it
at a target is all there is to it: If the beam of light hits the target, the gun fits you. But this does not take into account where the pattern actually strikes because of barrel flex, and how it is centered in relation to the shooter’s
eye and physique. It’s very rough, and while perhaps not totally worthless, it’s close.
Because of barrel flex, fitting for one style of shotgun won’t also be accurate for another. When a double shotgun is fired the barrels attempt to open, and since they are held tightly to the breech face, they flex downward.
In a repeater with its magazine tube and forend this phenomena is not pronounced, and because the barrels of an
over/under form an I-beam, they flex far less than those of a side-by-side. Therefore, in general, the stock dimensions for a side-by-side will be slightly higher to compensate for barrel flex, and therefore differ from those
for an over/under.
21
Fitting a gun requires a safe area with some means of mounting a target at or just above eye level. Many use a
steel plate covered with spray paint or grease, but paper targets are easier for a do-it-yourselfer. Then, from the
face of the target measure exactly 16 yards and mark the spot. Why 16 yards? Because at this distance for every
inch the pattern deviates from the point of aim a one-sixteenth-inch correction to the stock is necessary. Therefore, if the center of the pattern strikes 2 inches low, the comb of the stock must be raised 1⁄₈-inch to center it.
Many feel length of pull to be the important measurement, as witnessed by numerous individuals putting the
stock in the crook of their arm and reaching for the trigger to “check the fit.” This, however, only proves that
you have a gun, an arm and a finger. Length of pull is determined by where the head meets the stock.
As a rule, proper length of pull when the gun is mounted positions the shooter’s nose an inch-and-a-half to two
inches from the shooter’s thumb as he grasps the wrist of the stock. Too far and the stock will be awkward to
mount, too close and the nose is in jeopardy of being whacked by the thumb in recoil.
A heavily cheeked shooter will require more cast than someone with a narrow, thin face. American shotgun
manufacturers largely ignore cast, and accommodate for it by lowered combs on their production stocks.
Back to the patterning board. With the 16-yard distance established and a target in place I use Birchwood Casey
3-inch orange target centers for good visibility. Shoot three shots at the same target, carefully aiming at the
marked center. Be sure that the gun is mounted with the cheek firmly against the stock. This will establish a
baseline, and generally will show how the stock fits. I use the tightest choke available and light target loads.
Unless there is a shooting problem, these aimed shots will normally superimpose one over the other. Carefully
evaluate the target. Determine the patterns’ center, then measure the distance from it to the center aiming point.
From this we can make our preliminary adjustments. Deviation left to right can indicate a too-low comb and/or
a cast problem. Vertical deviation from the center indicates a too-high or too-low comb.
Correcting a too-low comb is easily done using strips of leather taped to the stock with plastic electrical tape.
Stock length can be adjusted by adding a slip-on recoil pad or washers inserted between the butt plate and stock.
Cast and a too-high comb are more difficult to achieve without actually altering the stock, and we’re not ready
for that.
Try Gun
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of having a stock fitting by a professional is that they will have a “try
gun.” A try gun has a fully articulated or adjustable stock that enables the fitter to accommodate for every possible human configuration. Most try guns are butt heavy, hence not as pleasant to shoot as a well-balanced bird
gun.
Once the optimum dimensions are achieved, the fitter will transcribe them using specialized stock measuring
tools to something resembling a prescription that can then be translated into corrections to an existing stock or a
new one by a skilled stocker.
22
Once temporary corrections are made it’s back to the pattern plate. It’s a good idea to shoot an additional three
aimed shots to verify the corrections. If all seems well, then it’s time to shoot three more, this time mounting the
gun and firing. I normally shoot the first three in slow motion, deliberately mounting the gun and firing, then
three more mounting and firing in a quick but not rushed manner.
If a mount goes haywire, just shoot another shot and expect that one of the four superimposed patterns will be
off center. Again, evaluate, see where they strike, and make further adjustments as dictated. By the way, if your
tests to this point show that the gun shoots where you want it, leave the stock alone. We don’t have to go butchering wood if the gun shoots where you look.
If a higher or lower comb or cast is dictated, perhaps the easiest way to correct a wooden stock is to have a
skilled gunsmith install an adjustable comb. He will cut a segment from the comb, then install hardware that
enables you to raise and lower the comb and move it laterally to provide cast. Some of these craftsmen visit the
big skeet, trap and sporting-clay shoots throughout the summer, and most do the work overnight.
European-made shotguns are mostly stocked with cast; both cast-off for right-handed shooters, and left-handed
cast-on stocks are often an option. Beretta, Benelli, Franchi, Stoeger, Winchester’s Super X3 and Mossberg’s
900 series make their semi-auto stocks, including the synthetics, using a system of spacers that enable adjustment for drop and cast.
While not offering precise adjustments for each individual, by using these shim kits the shooter can adjust his
stock pretty close to perfect. Many manufacturers now supply recoil pads of different thickness and spacers to
adjust for length of pull. Shotguns with wooden stocks can be lengthened by adding a recoil pad and spacers or
by cutting the stock to shorten it. Carefully sanding down the side of the comb can create cast.
Skeet Seven
Once the stock is where it ought to be on the pattern board, then go to the skeet field and shoot some birds from
low seven. Shoot with a low gun as pre-mounting defeats the process of fitting the gun. Low seven is a straightaway shot that requires that you only shoot directly at it. It will reveal much, because if the stock isn’t on, you
will be able to tell that you are breaking birds on one side or the other on top or bottom.
Next, shoot some incoming birds from the high house, as these birds also allow detection of imperfect fit if they
are missed below or above. Even better is to shoot birds with an un-mounted gun from a high tower, as that will
also reveal whether or not your stock is properly adjusted.
Stock fitting is an art, and any good fitter will tell you to shoot your stock with its temporary adjustment for
several months, even a year, before making permanent changes. A conscientious fitter will often ask that you
return in six months or a year to complete the fitting; sometimes with the admonition to work on establishing a
consistent gun mount. With the mount stabilized, he will be able to make the final adjustments, or start over as
the case may be.
Having a stock fitted takes work on the shooter’s part by developing a good consistent gun mount and from that
an experienced fitter can set the stock for you, and lacking a fitter, you can come close yourself. Still, once you
feel you have it correct on your own, a check by an experienced fitter will pay dividends.
23
How to Keep Your Dog Hidden in the Field
by Mark Romanack•September 17, 2012•
The game of “hide and seek” often comes to mind when I’m duck hunting. It seems that in the field, I’m constantly struggling to hide my dog, from the watchful eyes of waterfowl. It’s hard enough to conceal the hunters
from the birds, much less a rambunctious dog that seemingly isn’t happy unless he’s in my lap!
To see approaching birds and also mark dead birds as they fall, The dog needs a good field of view. But that allimportant “perch with a view” can be the kiss of death if approaching fowl spot the dog before they are over the
decoys. Striking that delicate balance of concealing a dog but providing the dog a window to watch the action is
a challenge faced often by avid waterfowlers. Since I wouldn’t think of leaving home without Mason, I’ve come
up with a number of creative solutions aimed at keeping a dog well hidden yet in position to readily mark down
birds.
Box Blindfold
Box blinds give hunters a lot of creature comforts, but they are among the most challenging of places for a dog
to work. Many of these blinds are built from wood and then covered with burlap, printed camouflage cloth
and/or natural materials. Some of these box blinds are used from year to year and they get completely overgrown with grapevines and other natural cover. A great many of these structures have a full or partial roof that
further blocks the dog’s ability to see. All of these blinds are comfortable to hunt from and they make the hunters invisible to the birds, but for the dog hidden inside, box blinds can serve as a blindfold.
Many hunters cut a dog door in the side of the blind so the dog can watch incoming birds. This hole doubles as
a way for the dog to come and go while retrieving. The dog door option works well but it requires a disciplined
dog that is willing to sit and stay with its head sticking out a small opening for hours on end.
A simple solution that allows even less experienced dogs to function effectively from a box blind is to mount a
small plywood box on the inside of the blind that forces the dog to stay positioned with his head sticking out the
dog door. This is accomplished by making the box narrow enough so it’s difficult for the dog to turn around
once it gets inside the box. A swing door is mounted on the side of the box facing the inside of the blind. The
hunter simply opens the door and commands the dog to kennel. Once the dog steps inside the box the door is
closed and the dog is positioned with its head sticking out the opening cut in the blind so the dog can watch for
birds.
The key to making this box work effectively is keeping it small enough that the dog can only point itself in the
desired direction. When the dog returns with a bird it has retrieved, open the door on the box and allow the dog
access to the inside of the blind. Once the bird has been delivered, simply command the dog to kennel and start
the whole process over again.
This setup not only allows the dog a clear view of incoming birds, but it forces the dog to stay focused on the
area birds are most likely to appear. With some simple modifications this box can also help prevent jumpy dogs
from breaking prematurely. Cut a slit in the side of the box and slide a plywood panel into place that blocks off
the bottom half of the opening. This allows the dog enough room to look out, but not enough room to exit the
box. After the shooting is complete, remove the panel and command the dog to fetch. Eventually the dog will
get the idea and the panel won’t be necessary to keep the dog steady inside the box. A “dog door” at one end of
a box blind provides an easy exit and entrance for a dog.
24
Chicken Wire Field Hide
In recent years, a number of manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon to produce portable hunting blinds
for retrievers. These products are designed to be used in combination with layout-style ground blinds popular
with hunters who target ducks and geese in picked grain fields. Years ago, before these commercial dog blinds
were readily available, I made my own field dog hides using a little chicken wire, two wooden dowels and four
metal stakes to hold the blind in place.
A standard roll of chicken wire is 36 inches wide. Cut a length of wire 48 inches long from the roll and then
thread the ½-inch by 36-inch wooden dowels through the narrow ends of the wire. The dowels on each end provide a surface sturdy enough to stake the blind to the ground. Using parachute cord, four loops are tied on the
corners of the blind affixed to the wooden dowels. Next, I thatch the wire by weaving grasses and natural vegetation into the mesh. Once the wire is adequately covered the wire is rolled up and tied in place using a short
length of decoy string around the roll.
In the field, the decoy string is untied and the wire unrolled. Four tent stakes are driven into the ground using
the loops of parachute cord so as to form a wire hoop about 20 inches wide, 20 inches tall and 36 inches deep.
Chicken wire has enough body to maintain a nice hoop shape and this dog blind is big enough to easily accept
any Lab.
If there is a little grass or natural cover on the ground to aid in hiding the dog, all the better. The chicken wire
hide provides critical cover from above, a convenient place for the dog to watch incoming birds and also allows
access from either end. Depending on the type of cover to be hunted in, it’s a simple step to add a little additional thatch on site so this homemade dog hut blends in perfectly. Chicken wire dog blinds work well in field
hunting situations or when hunting along the edge of sloughs, ponds, rivers, etc., where there is marginal cover.
Climbing Stand
Climbing stands commonly used by deer hunters double nicely as a place to keep a duck dog up and out of the
water when hunting flooded timber. Most of these stands feature two parts, including a bottom platform to put
your feet on and an upper platform designed to function as a seat. The bottom section of any climber can be
strapped to a tree near water level, providing a dry place for the dog to sit between retrieves.
Since these stands are made of aluminum or steel, it’s a good idea to cover the platform with a piece of plywood
or carpet so the dog’s feet are not exposed to cold metal. An ordinary ratchet strap is the easiest way to secure
the stand to the tree. A similar platform can be homemade from 2×2 lumber supporting a piece of 1⁄4-inch plywood. Again, a ratchet strap is ideal for affixing the platform to the tree. A little spray paint works well to camo
up the platform.
Chair Blind
Hunting in water shallow enough to wade, but too deep for a retriever to stand in ranks as one of the most challenging situations a water fowler will face. It’s not acceptable to keep a dog standing indefinitely in cold water.
Forcing a dog to stand in water is the equivalent of the hunter standing in a cattail marsh wearing tennis shoes!
A better alternative is to use a “bag chair” commonly used by campers. Open up the chair and push the legs
down into the soft bottom so the chair is stabilized. Have the dog jump up on the chair and sit down. This amazingly simple solution to hunting in water works well when targeting ducks in cattail marshes, flooded grain
fields, flooded willows and other places that the water is knee deep or less.
25
If the water is deeper than that, using a metal folding chair is another option. Cut lengths of PVC tubing to fit
over the chair legs and extend the standing height of the chair. Simply push the PVC legs down into the soft
bottom and the chair becomes a stable platform for the dog to sit on. A piece of carpet glued on the seat will
prevent the dog from having to sit or stand on cold metal all day. In both cases, a can or two of camo spray paint
goes a long ways towards eliminating surface glare and helping to hide from the birds.
Commercial Models
Sometimes you just can’t beat a commercially manufactured dog blind. Layout-style blinds designed for field
hunting have become very popular in recent years. Layout-style blinds for dogs are now readily available from a
number of manufacturers.The designs of these products are vastly different, but the goal of giving the dog a
comfortable, dry and concealed place to wait between retrieves remains the same.
My experience with these blinds has been mostly good. One of the problems I have noticed is that some of them
cannot be staked firmly enough to the ground using the stakes provided and/or tie outs. When the dog rushes
inside one of these poorly secured blinds, the blind tips over with the dog inside. This problem can be solved by
taking short lengths of parachute cord and tying loops into the corner structure of the blind. Metal army-style
tent stakes work best for hammering into the ground and securing on the parachute cord loops. Rigged in this
manner, the dog blind isn’t going to flip over even when used on soft or muddy terrain.
Commercially produced blinds are normally made of polyester camouflage fabric. The fabric used on these
blinds is a little shiny and needs to be dulled up by covering the blind with a coat of mud. Once the mud dies,
shake off the excess dirt and then thatch the blind with natural grasses. Mudded up, grassed and staked firmly
commercial dog blinds provide an excellent hide for field hunting situations or when hunting near the edge of
ponds or sloughs where natural cover is scarce. A punt makes an excellent dog platform and gear hauler when
hunting shallow marshes.
Dog Boats?
Sometimes the only practical way to hunt with a any dog in water is to incorporate the help of a small boat. I
often use a 10-foot long punt as a dog platform and also as a gear hauler. Once on site, the boat is pushed into
natural cover and the dog has a perfect place from which to hunt. Most of the time I stand behind the boat in
waders, using the boat to help break up my outline.
This setup works well in water too deep to put a chair in the water. Boats of this size made of fiberglass or kevlar weigh in at about 60 pounds. A couple grab handles on each end make it easy to lug the boat around and toss
into the back of a pickup truck. At the end of each hunt, I simply turn the skiff upside down and drain out the
water that has accumulated. I added grass boards to my punt so it can be thatched up with natural cover as neede
26
9 Great Things About Aberdeen Pheasant Hunting
by Eric Conn•December 7, 2012•
8
Tucked quietly into the Northeastern corner of South Dakota is Aberdeen, an unsuspecting city of some 26,000
that you may just miss if you’re not paying attention. What makes the small Northern Plains town famous, however, becomes obvious almost immediately upon arrival.
Whether you’ve got your radio tuned to the local country music station—Pheasant Country 103.7—or you’re
driving past the Super 8 with a decorative blaze orange pickup truck and a sign welcoming hunters out front,
you quickly realize the town has got one thing on the brain: pheasants.
But after a recent November trip to the pheasant mecca with Pheasants Forever, I also realized there are legitimate reasons for all that small-town quaintness and pheasant-driven frenzy. It has more to do with habitat and
bird numbers than anything else, but there is certainly a town that’s hardwired for the rooster rush every fall.
With a combination of well-developed public lands and private outfitters with more birds than I’ve ever seen in
my life, Aberdeen is within an hour of most of the great local hunting spots in the region. Whether you prefer
the more manageable temperatures of early November or the bitter and blowing cold of December, South Dakota’s got your pheasant fix. I was there in late November after Thanksgiving and would have complained about
the 20 degrees and 20 mile-an-hour winds had it not been for the hundreds of birds flushing before my eyes.
Yes, it was worth it.
27
GWPCNC RESCUE
They may not always need to be rescued from a burning building, but they do need to be rescued.
These are not throwaway dogs. Most are turned into shelters
because their humans love them but can no longer care for
them. There are many remarkable, loving GWP's just waiting
for someone like you to give them a chance.
Please look into your heart and checkbook to help us give them
that chance.
Thank You
Please check back frequently for GWP's in need of re-homing. You may also wish to
check www.petfinder.com and the National site, www.gwpca.com for available (and
appreciative) GWP's
GWPCNC Rescue places Wirehairs who find themselves in need of a new forever
home. Prior to being released for adoption, these GWP's will have been examined by a
Veterinarian, had any necessary medical treatment, spayed or neutered, and, if over 6
months old, tested for Heartworm. All vaccinations will have been updated and all Rescues, puppies included, are micro-chipped prior to adoption.
Each will be assessed to determine the best possible opportunities for a successful
placement.
Many of our dogs have had basic obedience training and have been family members.
Their age ranges from puppy to senior. They come with all manner of life experiences
and levels of training, from lonely isolated back yard dogs to finished show champions
and personal hunting companions, and everything in between.
Dr. Cindy Heiller, DVM, is the GWPCNC Rescue Chairman. She may be reached via
email: gwpdoc@sbcglobal.net or by phone at The Haven Kennel: (707) 528-2627.
28
GWP's in need of re-homing may also be viewed at:
www.gwpcnc.9f.com (German Wirehaired Pointer Club of Northern CA Club)
www.thehavenkennel.8m.com (Dr. Heiller's Kennel in Santa Rosa, CA)
www.gwpca.com (National GWP Organization; the GWP Parent Club)
www.petfinder.com (A national animal rescue group)
PILOTS and PAWS
PILOTS and PAWS is an organization with a mission of mercy--to save animals in shelters from death
row. Pilots donate their time, planes, and fuel to transport animals from overcrowded shelters to rescue
g PILOTS and PAWS works entirely on volunteerism and donations via its website:
http://pilotsnpaws.org/ More rescue tales, videos, maps, and news articles may be viewed on the site.
29
Good News
Just wanted to let you know that we rescued Jack from you in February 2010 and he's doing
great.
We just love him and as I write this he is draped over my lap sleeping. He's very spoiled and
has adjusted well.
Just wanted to remind you that if you ever need someone to transport a rescue from the north
state down to your area we would be willing to help if possible.
Thank you for helping all GWP who are in need.
Merry Grisak
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The Haven Kennel
Premier Dog & Cat Boarding Facility
3953 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.
Phone: (707) 528-2627
Owner & Proprietor
Dr. Cynthia Heiller, DVM
The Haven provides quality care and comfortable living quarters for all residents. Please feel free to call and
setup an appointment to inspect our facilities, before deciding to board with us.
The Haven is also the headquarters for the Northern California German Wirehaired Pointer Rescue Program
31
Upcoming Field Events
Name
Location
Event
Type
Event Date
Gold Country English Setter
Fanciers
Suisun, CA
HT
Feb 9, 2013
Gold Country English Setter
Fanciers
Suisun, CA
Hunting Test
HT
Feb 10, 2013
California City,
CA
Irish Setter Club of the Pacific
Suisun, CA
- S.F.
HT
Feb 16, 2013
HT
Feb 16, 2013
San Diego Brittany Club, Inc.
HT
Feb 16, 2013
HT
Feb 17, 2013
California City,
CA
California City,
CA
HT
Feb 17, 2013
HT
Feb 17, 2013
German Shorthaired Pointer
Club of Northern Sacramento
Val
Rio Vista, CA
HT
Mar 23, 2013
Vizsla Club of Northern California
Rio Vista, CA
HT
Mar 23, 2013
German Shorthaired Pointer
Club of Northern Sacramento
Val
Rio Vista, CA
HT
Mar 24, 2013
Vizsla Club of Northern California
Rio Vista, CA
California Brittany Club
California City,
CA
Irish Setter Club of the Pacific
Suisun, CA
- S.F.
California Brittany Club
San Diego Brittany Club, Inc.
Event Information
Hunting Test
Hunting Test
Hunting Test
Hunting Test
Hunting Test
Hunting Test
Hunting Test
Hunting Test
Hunting Test
Hunting Test
HT
Mar 24, 2013
Hunting Test
For additional information on Field Trial & Hunt Tests, go to the American Kennel
Club Website, www.AKC.org and search the Events section.
32
Upcoming Dog Shows
March 2013
Back To Top
January February March April
May
Name
June
July August September October November December
Location
Hanford, CA
Event Type
AB / JSHW
Event Date
Mar 8, 2013
Closing Date
Feb 20, 2013
Hanford, CA
AB / JSHW
Mar 9, 2013
Feb 20, 2013
Hanford, CA
AB / JSHW
Mar 10, 2013
Feb 20, 2013
Valley Center, CA
AB / O / JSHW
Mar 16, 2013
Feb 27, 2013
Valley Center, CA
AB / O / JSHW
Mar 17, 2013
Feb 27, 2013
Vallejo, CA
AB / O / JSHW
Mar 21, 2013
Mar 6, 2013
Vallejo, CA
AB / O / JSHW
Mar 22, 2013
Mar 6, 2013
Vallejo, CA
AB / JSHW
Mar 23, 2013
Mar 6, 2013
Vallejo, CA
AB / JSHW
Mar 24, 2013
Mar 6, 2013
Bakersfield, CA
AB / O / JSHW
Mar 30, 2013
Mar 13, 2013
Sequoia Kennel Club, Inc.
Kings Kennel Club of California
Kings Kennel Club of California
Del Sur Kennel Club, Inc.
Del Sur Kennel Club, Inc.
San Mateo Kennel Club, Inc.
San Mateo Kennel Club, Inc.
Oakland Kennel Club
Oakland Kennel Club
Kern County Kennel Club, Inc.
April 2013
Back To Top
January February March April
Name
May
June
July August September October November December
Location
Merced, CA
Merced, CA
Event Type
AB / O / JSHW
Event Date
Apr 6, 2013
Closing Date
Mar 20, 2013
AB / O / JSHW
Apr 7, 2013
Mar 20, 2013
Yosemite Kennel Club
Event Number: 2013033101
Yosemite Kennel Club
33
Sacramento, CA
AB / O / JSHW
Apr 13, 2013
Mar 27, 2013
Vallejo, CA
AB / O / JSHW
Apr 20, 2013
Apr 3, 2013
Vallejo, CA
AB / O / JSHW
Apr 21, 2013
Apr 3, 2013
Sacramento Kennel Club
Chief Solano Kennel Club
Chief Solano Kennel Club
May 2013
Back To Top
Name
Location
Gridley, CA
Event Type
AB / O / JSHW
Event Date
May 30, 2013
Closing Date
May 15, 2013
Gridley, CA
AB / O / JSHW May 31, 2013
May 15, 2013
Butte County Kennel Club
Butte County Kennel Club
34
Health Matters: Eye Wars?
The Canine Eye Registry Foundation has been synonymous with detecting genetic/inherited eye problems in purebred dogs for the past 30 years. Now the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is getting into eye exams.
By Debra M. Eldredge, DVM | November 29, 2012
The acronym CERF (Canine Eye
Registry Foundation) has been
synonymous with eye exams for
genetic/inherited eye problems
in purebred dogs for the past 30
years. That is about to change
with OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) jumping into
eye exams with a new partnership with the ACVO (American
College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists).
Interestingly, few exhibitors and
breeders at a recent show cluster were aware of the changes.
All normal results from eye exams performed under CERF and OFA are listed on the OFA website, which
The OFA has been the main site tracks many genetic problems in purebred dogs.
for tracking many genetic problems in purebred dogs — best known for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia but branching out over
the years into cardiac, thyroid and other problems. Meanwhile CERF has concentrated on eye conditions. OFA announced that as of November 1, 2012, the ACVO will endorse the OFA’s Eye Certification Registry as its primary registry.
What does this mean to you as a breeder and/or fancier of purebred dogs? Not as much as you might
think.
The examination protocol will remain the same. Both groups require exams to be done by boardcertified veterinary ophthalmologists. Clubs are free to set up health clinics for eye exams using either
registry. At this time, costs and all fees are identical between the two organizations. Certainly the
forms will be specific for each organization — though rumor has it that the “fill in the circles format”
will be used by both organizations. Currently both organizations will accept forms from the other registry for their own registry as long as payment indicates the correct registry and the form is accompanied by a note from the owner stating they wish to include the results at the other registry. Both registries consider exams current for a period of one year.
CERF will continue to send results for normal dogs to the OFA site so that the eye exam information
can be included in both the CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) listings, on the OFA site and on
pedigrees. Breed clubs that have designated CERF for their eye exams up until now will probably
simply add the OFA option and CHIC will accept eye reports from both organizations. AKC will add
information from both registries to pedigrees if permanent identification of the dog is provided.
35
There are a few differences that might influence your choice when planning which registry to use.
CERF has data going back 30 years. While the data has not always been as accessible as many
people would like, it has a huge history of eye conditions in many dog breeds. The forms submitted
by the veterinary examiners have included any abnormal findings, which go into the CERF database.
Breed clubs have been able to purchase complete yearly reports that list all dogs of that breed that
passed that year and separate listings of abnormal conditions found over the year. Those reports are
free to dog owners who have a current CERF on file. CERF has updated their system so statistics are
now “live.” This means that as soon as 2012 ends, the statistics for 2012 will be available.
Dogs with a current normal CERF report (or abnormal) if signed off on by their owner can be found on
the CERF website via name or registration number. CDs can be purchased which include all the back
data for a breed so trends can be detected and followed. Currently 20 years worth of data are available. OFA will use the reporting style they have used for their other registries. All normal results will
appear on their website. If you do a search on a dog by number or name, you will find their eye results along with their hips, elbows, etc. CERF results will continue to be located there as well. An advantage to OFA is that relatives of the dog you searched on also come up.
OFA has also chosen to automatically include all dogs not only with totally normal results but also
dogs with eyes that pass the exam but may have a condition listed by the breed club for that dog as
“breeder option.” Those are defects that do not directly cause vision loss but do not represent ideal
eye conformation and anatomy. As their info brochure states, “There is no option to keep a passing
observable breed option code condition confidential while releasing the passing certification number.”
Abnormal (nonpassing) results are only posted with owner approval.
An example of a breeder option defect might be distichiasis or abnormally located eyelashes. In most
cases, these lashes will not cause any discomfort to the dog or affect the vision. Still, the lashes are
not totally normal, so a breeder needs to decide if they want to potentially produce more dogs with
this problem or not.
CERF has maintained a huge database that veterinary ophthalmologists and other researchers have
tapped into over the years. OFA is now establishing a Clinical Database of Ophthalmic Diagnoses to
“capture the data from ACVO diplomats on canine eye exams in an institutional or practice setting
where the dog is presenting for reasons other than a certification exam.” So if your dog goes to a veterinary college for bloat surgery but has a cataract, that should get noted and added to the OFA database. The hope is that this will add even more data to the system and cover dogs that may not get
an official eye exam through their registry.
OFA will also be sharing a percentage of the eye registration fees with the ACVO’s Vision for Animals
Foundation that supports research on ocular diseases. This foundation supports work on eye disease
in all animals, not just dogs.
So, at this point, are there big advantages to one eye registry over the other? Not really, so most
breeders and fanciers will go with whatever group is offered at the local eye clinic.
36
This may be of interest to members who run in Field Trials.
Performance Events Department
Grand Field Champion Titles for Pointing Breeds
The American Kennel Club is pleased to introduce two new field titles for the Pointing Breeds –
the Grand Field Champion (GFC) and Grand Amateur Field Champion (GAFC). Many owners continue to participate after their dogs have earned FC/AFC titles. The Grand titles will provide a
goal these experienced dogs can strive to achieve.
To be eligible to earn Grand points, the dog must have already been awarded its Field Champion
title (to be eligible to earn points toward the GFC title) or its Amateur Field Champion title (to
be eligible earn points toward the GAFC title).
How does a dog earn a Grand title? A dog must earn six points under the existing point system,
including one win of three points or greater, in one hour or longer stakes. A win means a first
place. There is no retrieving requirement to earn a Grand title.
Grand points can only be earned in new stakes which will be called Grand stakes. The four new
one hour Grand stakes are (1) Grand Open Limited Gun Dog, (2) Grand Amateur Limited Gun Dog,
(3) Grand Open Limited All-Age, and (4) Grand Amateur Limited All-Age. Offering these stakes
is up to the discretion of the host club. Starting in July 2013 clubs may start applying for Grand
stakes to be offered at trials held after January 1, 2014.
May non-titled dogs run in Grand stakes? Yes. If points are earned, they will count toward the
FC or AFC title.
The following will be added to the Field Trial Rule Book at its next reprinting:
Grand Field Champion: A dog that has previously earned its Field Champion title will be recorded a
Grand Field Champion (GFC) if it subsequently earns 6 points according to the FC point schedule in
Grand Open Limited Gun Dog or Grand Open Limited All-Age stakes, provided the points include at
least one first place win of 3 points or more.
Dogs that are not Field Champions that earn points in Grand Open stakes will have the points credited toward their FC title. Points earned by a dog in a Grand stake will not be split between FC and
GFC titles.
The GFC title will supersede the FC title on a dog’s pedigree.
Grand Amateur Field Champion: A dog that has previously earned its Amateur Field Champion title
will be recorded a Grand Amateur Field Champion (GAFC) if it subsequently earns 6 points according
to the AFC point schedule in Grand Amateur Limited Gun Dog or Grand Amateur Limited All-Age
stakes, provided the points include at least one first place win of 3 points or more.
Dogs that are not Amateur Field Champions that earn points in Grand Amateur stakes will have the
points credited toward their AFC title. Points earned by a dog in a Grand stake will not be split between AFC and GAFC titles.
The GAFC title will supersede the AFC title on a dog’s pedigree.
The last time a new title was added to the AKC field trial program was in 1966 when the Amateur Field Champion title was introduced.
Question or comments should be e-mailed to fieldtrials@akc.org.
Nov 2012
37
Up coming litters:
February 2013
Breeders: Robert & Debra Lewis
DC Jonnee Blue JH
Chic #79684
DC Dual Shot's Behind Bars
Chic #72893
March 2013
Breeder: Meg Eden
FC AFC Wireswest Radical Girl MH
DC Dual Shot's Behind Bars
Wireswest First Dibs
DC Dual Shot's Behind Bars
Mid March 2013
Breeder: Cynthia Heiller, DVM
CH. Weidenhugel Becca V Blitz
DC Wildwings Shamless
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German Wire Haired Pointers Puppies (16 puppies)
Pricilla - Snup Litter.
Whelped. 12-27-12
Jehnet Carlson Breeder
DJ Bar Ranch German Wirehaired Pointers
Breeding quality gun dogs for over 20 years
Jehnet Carlson
5155 Round Mountain Road
Belgrade, Montana 59714
406-388-7463
406-581-7443
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 I lieu of recent news: Raleys is selling WAGON TRAIN Jerky Tenders treats for dogs Made in China with a 2013 expiration date. A buyer bewares issue.
Bob Rittenhouse
40
CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY TORTE
1/2
1
6
2
1/2
4
C
C
Oz
Oz
C
Raspberry juice (or Torani Raspberry Syrup)
Butter
Semisweet chocolate (approx. 1 cup chocolate chips)
Unsweetened chocolate
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Ganache Topping
2/3
C
Heavy cream
1 1/3 C
Chocolate chips (8 oz)
2
Tbs butter
Raspberries
In heavy sauce pan over low heat, melt butter, chocolate, and sugar stirring frequently until smooth.
Remove from heat. Stir in juice. Wisk in eggs one at a time. Pour into 8 or 9 inch buttered and
floured round cake pan. Bake at 325 for 55 minutes. Cool, remove from pan and top with the
Ganache Topping.
Topping:
Heat cream to almost boiling. Wisk in chocolate and butter. Beat until smooth. Cool. When torte
and ganache topping are cool, pour topping on torte and spread evenly. Place fresh raspberries
around the perimeter of the torte. Chill.
Jill Otto
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THESE REALLY WORK! I checked this out on Snoopes and it's for real!
AMAZING, SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES:
1. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold the vegetables while you
chop.
2. Avoid arguments with the females about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.
3. For high blood pressure sufferers ~ simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure on your veins. Remember to set a timer.
4. A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep
after you hit the snooze button.
5. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives; then you'll be afraid to cough.
6. You need only two tools in life - WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the wd-40. If it
shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
7. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
THOUGHT for the day:
Some people are like Slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when they're
pushed down the stairs.
Submitted by:
Joan Payton
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