President`s Message - Great Dane Club of Central North Carolina

GREAT DANE CLUB
OF
CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA
November/December 2014 ~ Newsletter
President’s Message:
Dane Fanciers –
I hope that everyone is enjoying the Holidays with their families and their Danes. 2014
has been a great year for our club! Looking back on the year we accomplished quite a lot.
We held our biggest specialty yet, with enough dogs entered to be a four point major. We
supported entry at two other shows: one with Durham Kennel Club and one with the
Carolina Working Group's new shows in Cabarrus County. We helped out with AKC's
Responsible Dog Owner day. We've kicked off new fundraisers for the club, including a cook
book and club logo sunshades.
We've got even more in the works. Planning for our specialty to follow the GDCA
National Specialty at Myrtle Beach next October. So many of our club members are helping
out with the GDCA National Specialty that it feels like we are doing two shows in October.
We've already committed to support entries at more shows next year. And for 2016 we are
already planning two days of specialties at the Fall Tarheel. All the while, many of our club
members have been out on the circuit, showing and sometimes even winning. This year we
recognized no less than six new titles for our Great Danes at our annual Christmas Party.
None of this could have happened without everyone's support, energy and dedication.
Richard did a great job keeping us on track with judge selection for 2016; Pam and her
committee have laid down a solid plan for our Myrtle Beach show (not to be confused with
the GDCA National that Patty and Wanda have been so diligent in planning.) Chris helped
coordinate our supported entry shows; Christy kept our books in order; Carol and Colleen
volunteered ideas and time for our new fundraisers. The list is by no means complete, so
many thanks to each and everyone of you for your contributions and support! Here's looking
forward to a Great Dane-ful 2015.
John Rider
Articles for the newsletter are welcomed. Please send articles and advertising copy to the editor:
Carol Ragan, 801 Nolstead Court, Raleigh, NC 27614 cragan2@gmail.com
The Great Dane Club of Central North Carolina, Inc. was formed in March 2004. We are AKC
accredited and GDCA affiliated. We are certified to hold our very own specialty show. This club was
founded to provide a place where all Dane owners can come together to share their knowledge and
experiences.
Visit our webpage at www.GDCCNC.org
2014 Board of Directors:
President: John Rider
Vice President: Richard Cyr- McMillon
Treasurer: Christy Balazs
Corresponding Secretary: Chris Hepler
Recording Secretary: Carol Ragan
Board Member: Terri Dillistin
Meetings of the Great Dane Club of Central North Carolina
01/19/2014 - 1st Board Meeting @ the Ragan’s – Done!
02/22/2014 - 1st Club Meeting / 2nd Board Meeting - @the Ragan’s home – Done!
03/21/2014 - March DKC Supported Entries Show / Sweepstakes – Done!
03/22/2013 - 2nd Club meeting - Meet'n'Greet @ Spring Tarheel – Done!
05/18/2014 - Spring Fling! + 3rd Club Meeting/ 3rd Board Meeting - Clemmons EF – Done!
06/07/2014 - 4th Club Meeting – Done!
07/12/2014 - 5th Club Meeting/ 4th Board Meeting – Done!
08/16/2014 - 6th Club Meeting/ 5th Board Meeting @ Greensboro Shows – Done!
08/30/2014 - Specialty Show / Sweeps with DKC @ NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh – Done!
08/30/2014 - 7th Club Meeting @ NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh – Done!
09/01/2014 - Nominating Committee Established by Board – Done!
11/08/2014 - 8th Club Meeting / 6th Board Meeting @ Winston/Salem Shows – Done!
12/06/2014 - 9th Club Meeting / 7th Board Meeting Winston/Salem Shows and Annual
Holiday Party – Done!
Member News:
Birthday greetings go out to Collen Assell Carra , Patty Thomas, &Carole Cataudella who all
have November & December birthdays — Happy Birthday!
Meeting Highlights:
November 6, 2014
Report of President – John Rider
John reported that Chris Hepler is currently assigned to a position in China & has tendered his
resignation as Corresponding Secretary.
John reported on the survey results from Survey Monkey on the GDCCNC August Specialty. He also
passed around the write up for member review. Overall the survey respondents gave us good marks.
There was positive feedback on the judges, the friendliness & organization. Most respondents prefer
breeder judges over all-rounders. A suggestion was made for more aggressive advertising of raffle
tickets. The results will be emailed to interested members.
Our next meeting & annual holiday party is December 6 th after the Winston-Salem Dog Show at
Christy’s home.
Report of Treasurer – Christy Balazs (absent)
Reported there’s $4094 in the bank .
Report of Secretaries:
Corresponding Secretary – Chris Hepler (absent)- Wanda gave the report - AKC requested feedback
on proposed new judging approval process. GDCA sponsored a webinar on DCM.
Reports of Committees:
Judge Selection Committee: Richard
Breeder judges are preferred for the afternoon specialty. This may cause the cost to rise. We will also
look at Provisional judges. Dennis McCoy asked for feedback for the Spring 2016 show.
The Kennel Clubs prefer All Breed judges that draw entries. Decision made to not try to influence
Durham & Raleigh KC judge selection, and to focus on the afternoon Concurrent Specialty.
The committee’s next step is to look at 2016 Specialty judges. Members will be asked to bring 2
judges names to the December meeting and to send an email for the vote in early January. No revoting will be done for ties. Ties will be ranked in alphabetical order on the list.
Board positions:
The ballot for Board Positions currently has: President – Richard Cyr-McMillon, Vice President – John
Rider, Treasurer – Christy Balasz, Corresponding Secretary – Carol Ragan, Recording Secretary –
Colleen Assell-Carra, Board – Terri Dillistin, Wanda Hepler – Board.
Nominations will be accepted until 11/15. Vote will be taken at the December meeting only if other
nominations are submitted.
Membership Committee: Wanda Hepler
Two membership applications have been submitted - Diana DeOnofrio-Fisher & Yvonne Weed. The
applicants will be presented in the next newsletter.
Unfinished Business:
. Wanda reported she spoke with Terry Wagner about the Welcome Bag items.
. Jim Cataudella passed around drool towels samples again. Logo color decision needs to be made.
Club members have donated $400 towards the cost.
. Apparel status – Patty has received 7 orders. We need to get a few more orders .
. Cookbook –Carol – Will review all information & provide feedback.
. John reviewed the AKC Show Manual that was published this summer & said there aren’t any
changes that will affect us.
New Business:
. Colleen – Suggested getting car sun visors with the club logo as a fundraiser. Motion made by Terri
& seconded by Nikki for Colleen to proceed with the fundraiser. Motion approved.
. John - Recognition for new titles. Please send information to John.
. Nikki has 2 vendors for the 2015 National.
. Wanda – Terry Wagner has mentioned increasing the Welcome Bags from 500 to 800. If this
increase is made it will impact the cost of the drool towels.
. Terri – GDCA Delegate Meeting Report – Dogs are needed for a Bloat Study, AKC recommends
donations be made for Disaster Trailers & also to local Fire Departments for equipment to rescue
dogs. The Treasurer needs updated Delegate information. Discussions were held on the National
Obedience & Conformation, the possibility of using the Purina Farms facility, and trophy costs.
Miscellaneous:
Debby Martin will be applying for membership.
Carol will take the prizes for the Working Dog Supported Entry.
Gripes & Grins:
Our club was well represented at this year’s National.
Patty –Optimus and Patty won 1st Place in Novice B and won High in Trial (the highest scoring dog
overall in regular classes).
Jim & Carole – Henry - AOM. Eva - Reserve Junior Futurity Bitch & won American Bred Bitch.
Wanda – Murphy - Reserve Junior Futurity Dog & won his class.
Carol –Theia – placed 3rd in 15-18 month Bitch.
Memory – Hugo made the cut.
December 6, 2014 Meeting & Holiday Party
Report of President – John Rider
We had a great year. Club members participated at the AKC Responsible Pet Ownership Day, we
completed 2 Supported Entries,we have firm plans for 2015, & have started planning for 2016.
Thanks to all for your hard work.
Report of Secretaries:
Corresponding Secretary – Chris Hepler
Kathy Rubens thanked the club for the Supported Entry for the Carolina Working Group Association
Show in Concord. She asked us to Support the May 28, 2015 Show. A consensus was reached to
give support . A letter was received from Linda Martin, Carolina KC asking us to support the show at
the August Greensboro 5 day cluster. Motion made by Terri & seconded by Richard to do a Supported
Entry. Motion passed unopposed. We agreed to support the major prizes, such as BOB, WD, WB,
BOS for both shows. Chris agreed to head up and will send emails to Kathy & Linda.
Recording Secretary – Carol Ragan
Carol has the 2015 GDCA National Special Room Raffle Tickets. Suggestion made to make them
available on Face Book Home Bound 2015 National site.
Report of Treasurer –
There are a few outstanding checks. We received $1240.78 from MBF for the Specialty, and had
$549.46 expenses for airfare & lodging, Bill Stebbens graciously declined a judging fee, resulting in
$691.32 profit plus the raffle income. The Operating balance is $3990.94 + outstanding checks.
Reports of Committees:
Judge Selection Committee: Richard
The following judges were nominated by the members:
Mr. Dana P Cline, Dr. Linda M Fowler, Mr. William P Shelton, Mrs. Michelle Conroy, Mr. James
Conroy, Mrs. Donna J Buxton, Mrs. Gina Jaeblon, Mr. Warren K Simon, Mr. Joseph E Gregory,
Mr. Lowell K Davis, Mrs. Lowell (Arlene) K Davis, Mr. Steven D Gladstone, Mr. Richard F Greathouse,
MD, Ms. Beverly Capstick, Mr. Dennis J Gallant, Mr. Warren Benoit, Mrs. Norvel Alexander Benoit,
Ms. Margaret Shappard
The list will be emailed to members for a vote & tallied in January.
Nominating Committee: Chris Hepler
There were no additional names received for the Board positions.
2015 Board Positions follow:
President: Richard Cyr-McMillon
Vice President: John Rider
Treasurer: Christy Balazs
Corresponding Secretary: Carol Ragan
Recording Secretary: Colleen Assell-Carra
Board Member: Terri Dillistin
Board Member: Wanda Hepler
Membership Committee: Wanda Hepler
New membership applications from Diana DeOnofrio-Fisher & Yvonne Wood were voted on. Both
passed unanimously. The new members will be introduced in the newsletter.
Unfinished Business:
. Waiting on pricing update for the drool towels. Club members have donated $550 towards the cost of
the Goody Bag drool towels. The North Florida club is donating a cup & coaster for the goody bags.
Private donations are being made for goody bag items.
. Apparel status – No update, more orders are needed.
. Sun Shades – Colleen – Order quantity of 75, cost is $5.00 each plan to sell for $20.00 each. Reorder set-up fee is $35.00. A Pay Pal account will be set-up to facilitate sales.
New Business:
January Planning meeting will be held 1/17/15 at the Cyr-McMillon’s house.
Recognition:
Placques were given to the following Great Danes:
Raintree Erinwood Dixie’s Optimus Prime
Title Received: Companion Dog
Owner: Patty Thomas
Ch Topenny's Fire And Ice Von Shrado n Thordane
Owners: Jane Farmer, Linda Springthorpe and Jim & Sandy Hann
Breeder: Jane Farmer & Linda Springthorpe 49th champion!
BISS GCH Divine Acres Ring Leader, AOM
Carol and Jim Cataudella
Bronze Grand Champion
CH BMWLR-LIEBHUNDE'S HONEYMOON NIGHT
owners are Dennis and Cornelia Todd Walker
This is our first owner-breeder champion.
CH LIEBHUNDE'S ON HALLOWED GROUND
owned and bred by Dennis and Cornelia Todd Walker.
Gripes & Grins:
Memory – Hugo took Select Dog 2 days, BOB Owner Handler 2 days, Group 4 Owner Handler
Terri – Rhythm on her second time in the ring she won her class & won Best Bred By
Yvonne – Roxi took RWB under judge Fredrickson and WB/BOW under Dana Cline in Savannah GA.
Wanda – Cosmic Mantau Hepler’s Look No Further aka Murphy took BOB Owner Handler out of
Puppy Classes for a 4 point major. Cosmic Mantau Hepler’s Look No Further aka Murphy Finished out
of the Puppy classes Owner Handler
Upcoming Events:
We will be having our usual Meet and Greet at the spring Tarheel shows in Raleigh. What will
make this one unusual is that we will be having a chili cook off. Start brushing up on your
favorite recipe. Saturday, March 21st, mark your calendars.
Great Dane Club of America 2015 National Specialty
Hosted by the Southeast Division
October 25-31, 2015
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
2101 Oak St,
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
EXCITING SPECIAL ROOM RAFFLE – Contact Carol Ragan for tickets
Newsletter:
Thanks to those who contributed to the newsletter!
Rescue:
If you have room in your hearts and homes, you can help a Great Dane in need by considering
adopting from one of the rescue groups in North Carolina.
Great Dane Friends
Great Dane Rescue
The Great Dane Rescue Alliance
Welcome New Members:
Diana DeOnofrio-Fisher
Yvonne Weed
Health & Welfare:
The Do’s and Don’ts of Pet Co-Sleeping
by J.L. Simmerman · October 29, 2014 http://itsallaboutdogs.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-pet-co-sleeping/
When it comes to dogs, the highest, softest sleeping spot in the house is the most desirable. In most homes, this
spot is your bed. But is it a good idea to let your dog sleep with you?
Doggie Dominance.
Most dog trainers extol the importance of maintaining a dominant position over your dog in order to keep peace and
order in your home. If you want a healthy, happy, well-behaved pup, you’ll have to become and remain the “boss” in
his eyes. But does this mean your furry best friend is forever banished from your bed? The surprising answer is no.
Your dog can sleep in your bed and still remain submissive. However, you’ll have to follow a few rules to keep the
peace in your home.
7 Rules for Sleeping with Pets:
1. The dog must never be allowed to assume he may sleep on the bed. You must invite him into the bed every
night.
2. Never allow your dog to take over your pillow or crowd you out of the bed.
3. Sleeping at the foot of the bed versus alongside the humans is best for all involved.
4. Dogs who growl or voice displeasure at begin disturbed once in the bed should be immediately removed to the
floor.
5. Do not allow your dog to tote his toys, chew treats, or dog food into the bed with you.
6. Any dog that marks the bed (by peeing) should not be allowed to sleep in the bed. You must demonstrate to him
that the bed is YOUR domain, not his.
7. Do not allow dogs to sleep with toddlers or infants without an awake adult keeping watch at all times to prevent
injury.
Pet Co-Sleeping and Your Health
For those with allergies or asthma, sleeping with pets can be downright dangerous to your health. Dogs and cats
may decide to snuggle near your face while you’re sleeping, creating a direct path to your airway for allergens. Pet
dander also becomes infused into your bedding, making sleep time a constant state of inflammation for your body.
Even if you don’t have allergies or asthma, sleeping with your dog can lead to multiple interruptions in sleep cycle
every night, keeping you from getting the proper rest you need to function at optimal levels. Most pet owners will
also admit to an unspoken rule that you do not disturb a pet who is sleeping peacefully, even if it means holding a
full bladder for hours at a time or remaining in an uncomfortable position that keeps you awake when you should be
sleeping.
Snuggling up with your furry best friend can be a positive experience for both of you, but common sense and an
awareness of how dogs communicate should always prevail. It may seem unnatural for some people, but taking
care of yourself by ensuring you get a good night’s sleep is essential to making sure you can properly take care of
your dog. By putting your well-being first, you are able to be fully present for your dog during waking hours. If cosleeping with your pet is a becoming a problem, take steps to correct the issue as soon as possible for a healthier,
happier pet.
The 4 week doggy dental makeover plan (Martin Webster, Great Dane Savvy)
I don’t know about you but I hate going to the dentist. I don’t even know why. My dentist is great. Everything is pain
free - yet I find it truly terrifying. It’s the last thing I want to do. And my Great Dane doesn’t seem to be any different.
To my Great Dane it’s not just scary - it’s STUPID. More human nonsense. (If he could talk I know he’d say, “Your
vanity is your insanity”.) Yet, in all fairness to me, he doesn’t have to smell his own breath now does he?
If you’ve ever gotten one of “those” kisses (you know the ones) then you know what I’m talking about…
Filled with the best intentions and backed by the love of a wiggling butt, his tongue hits the nose with the 100%
accuracy of a marine sniper. Unfortunately, it can be almost as deadly too!
I know I’m not alone because it happened to me just recently while out shopping!
I was checking out as this adorable little boxer mix was grooving and jiving - dancing all over the place. The belle of
the ball for sure. And me, never one to be able to resist a good kiss, well I bent down and got a little taste of what
she was selling…
Two little licks later and I almost passed out. I kid you not.
There I was, 42 years old - paying my bill, politely trying to avoid embarrassing the owner, as I discreetly breathed
in and out through my mouth, eyes watering unable to get away from the stench…
I couldn’t help but think, “Good golly miss molly - this dog needs a lolli!”
Seriously- I still remember that smell stuck to my nostrils. Gagging me with every breath, I literally almost passed
out. This is no exaggeration.
(If your Great Dane suffers from bad breath - please grab our free report here.
Now I don’t think my Great Dane’s breath is that bad - or maybe I’m just used to it. Either way, it was a good
reminder to keep his teeth cleaned - but it’s not the only reason. And it is most certainly not the most important one!
You see while many people avoid having their dog’s teeth cleaned due to expense and health risks (you have to put
them under to get it done), not that many people understand what will happen if you do NOT take care of your
Great Dane’s teeth.
Heart disease, Liver and Kidney Damage as well as certain neurological disorders can all be correlated back to
poor dental care. Even human studies have shown tartar build up leads to greater chance of heart disease. Again,
your Great Dane is not that much different from you as far as DNA goes…
The good news is that we can all help to keep these health problems at bay with a simple at home process - all
revealed in Dr. Jan Hale's FREE "How To Properly Care For Your Dogs Teeth And Avoid The Doggie Dentist"
report right here!
Gripes & Grins
GDCCNC at the 2014 GDCA National
From Patty Thomas & John Rider:
Optimus – High in Trial
From Wanda & Chris Hepler:
Murphy (CH Cosmic Maitau Hepler's Look No Further) - Reserve Junior in Futurity
From Carole & Jim Cataudella:
Henry received an AOM (BISS GCH Divine Acres Ring Leader, AOM) Henry was Select Dog
at Eukanuba 
Eva was Junior RWB in Futurity, Eva won the Am Bred Class(Divine Acres Go The Distance)
From Carol Ragan:
Theia was third in the 15 -18 Bitch (OVD Thiea Brilliant Eastern Light)
Outside the National show ring:
Rhythm - 5 months
Touring the Lake:
Rhythm & Blue (aka: Theia): Playing & listening intently to the trainer while in down stay