Dear Katahdin Members:

I have always envisioned all of our members actually sitting and reading this newsletter, in the dead of winter, fire roaring, dogs resting at your side, and the snow tumbling out your window. Lots of snow. It gave a sense of security that we were still here in the dead of winter. It gives us time to reflect and set goals for the spring. For anyone who has lost a dog this year. I feel for all of you. I lost one of my favorite bitches to age this winter. For anyone who has had a litter. I also feel your joy. Late this spring, I had a wonderful litter of eight which delighted my family, as well the owners who purchased one.

Winter is a good time to focus on indoor training. Starting in the end of January, I will be putting one of my dogs on the bench while another will be introduced to retrieving. Hopefully, by the time spring rolls around, one will be pointing steady, while the other one should have the basic concept of the word “fetch” & “give”.

I have also attended my second specialty show in as many years as president. I must say that the show is much more delightful without the excess snow fall we got last year. Peg Gagnon was the chairperson this year. There was a record turnout for the club along with a very informative rescue table and a simply delightful raffle table. We definitely need to do more shows.

The January meeting went very well. We all had pizza and conversation carried on through the evening. We also had some new faces show up. Membership is up and all seems to be up beat. Thanks to all for another wonderful year and I hope to see everyone at the upcoming events.

We have some events coming up for you this year. The team shoot will be back. We are shooting for the spring. However, it might be rescheduled if Chukar is not available. I have never been to a team shoot. This will be my first and am looking forward to it.

Our secretary Pat Russell, indulged us with correspondence. Most particularly with the NAVHDA lecture on animal behavior. Ray McSoley is speaking up in Portland at the end of January. I just might meet you there.

Our treasurer Jeremy Thompson, gave us our report on the clubs finances. Jeremy will also give us a recap of the year at our annual meeting.

We made a few changes for the spring hunt test. Scheduling conflicts caused us to change the director and secretary slots for our spring event. Steve Marcq will be chairing again this year and Deb Broad will be the Secretary. The birds are ordered and the premiums are ready to go. We still need helpers for bird planting, possible gunners, along with a marshall or two. All inquiries for help, please inquire to Steve Marcq.

The end of the year was good for the rescue committee. Earlier, our club donated one hundred dollars to aid in the medical expenses of a fellow shorthair. I donated back into the kitty, twenty-five dollars and, pretty much dared others to follow. In the mean time, Sandra Kretz donated a marvelous print for the specialty show, for raffle. The raffle was a 50/50 with half the proceeds going to our rescue while the other half being donated to the German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue. Now, Jeremy Thompson and his family matched my donation while Sandra’s print gave us enough money from the raffle to replenish what we donated. I personally would like to thank Jeremy and Sandra for their contributions. We as a club, preserve the rights and privileges of the breed. I am so proud that we also preserve the rights and privileges of the dog. Is there anyone else who wishes to match my donation?

The training committee is ready to start with some informal training sessions. All they are waiting for is the melting of the snow. They are also working on some type of formal training session to bridge the commands of owner to dog. More to come at our annual meeting.

I would like to welcome the ratification of our newest member, Barbara Desjardins. Welcome aboard Barbara. We also have two new members that were read in this month. Please welcome Marion Gray and Roger & Beverly Martineau. Hope to see you at the upcoming events.

I would like everyone to say hello to our new director, Steve Marcq. Steve will be taking over the position of director from Alison Jones who will be still active with the club. Alison will be greatly missed.

Membership is coming around the corner. Members who are up for renewal should be getting a “Renewal” slip-reminder in this newsletter. Please be prompt and renew your membership as soon as possible.

Pat Russell will be having our annual meeting at her house this year. This is going to be a very interesting meeting. First of all, we will be here to honor Lou Gagnon with a long over due lifetime achievement award. Second, I believe we will be voting on our officers that are due for re-election. Pat Russell for Secretary and Tom White & Deb Broad for Vice President. Thirdly, we will be discussing by what means we should take to incorporate a more family atmosphere, to include more family members with Katahdin. You, as members, have input which is greatly appreciated and needed. I would love to see everyone there to congratulate Lou, vote, and give you input for this coming year. Call Pat for directions. (Directions are include in the mailed newsletter)

So, kick off your shoes, sit in your favorite chair, with your favorite shorthair, and enjoy the newsletter. I am sure that there will be a few brags. Don’t worry about the winter. Spring is around the corner.

Enjoy Your Dog
Tommy Dwyer
President
Katahdin German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Greater Portland