Dear Katahdin Members:

It is said that true harmony is the sight of a quality Shorthair, working a field or cover, without call or guidance. Not a Shorthair who just points, but a Shorthair who is simply searching to find a scent. A scent that leads to a cone. A cone that inevitably leads to a point. I use the word quality as a particular favorite attribute of something or someone. Qualities we find in our own dogs, on that special morning where every hunter has worked his personal dog through an area where your dog has claimed a find. True harmony at its best.

My days of hunting were cut short this year with a shoulder injury. Not before the two dogs that I used found fourteen birds.....only three kills. Fine! I never said I was a good shot.

Nevertheless, I had some great times in the field this year as a solo hunter, as well as venturing out with some club members. For the life of me, I would never project that the best thing about being a Katahdin member was hunting with Katahdin members. I do hope that your hunting season continues to be safe and your bag limit reached.

Let me tell you about the fall hunt test that we put on at Sharps Field. This was Steve Marcq's first time as Chairman and mine as Secretary, and frankly, we both had a blast. We were greener than green and with the help and support of the club, we came through as veterans. Frankly, we both would not mind doing it again.

We saw a lot of club members participate by either supporting our club with entries or helping out planting birds, gunning, and marshaling. I do hope that everyone had a chance to stop in "Pauline's Restaurant & Take Out" for some real nice home cooking.

Unfortunately, I forgot to bring a camera, sorry. Just imagine all the fun we had at our spring hunt test. Then, add a little chill in the air and keep the pleasant and happy atmosphere. We do have birds left over and some of us are looking into a quick training day in the next week or so. Let us know if you need any birds to train with.

Our next big event is the December Specialty Show. This will be my second time down to the Boston event. I have two new cameras and lots of film to use. Hopefully, we will see an absence of snow this time around. I am also looking forward to seeing Tom White's trophies that he fires up for the show. We are still looking for donations for the specialty show raffle. Please contact Pauline if you have any items for the raffle.

We had yet another very enjoyable club meeting at the home of Alison Jones. This meeting did not entail many recaps of previous events. However, we concentrated on next year's timetable. Steve Marcq will be at the next HELDCA meeting with the dates we will be most interested in obtaining for the hunt tests, club championship, training days, and team shoot for 2005.

Sandra Kretz left us some information about seeking a supported entry in Vermont along with looking into a hunt test seminar for 2005.

On a sad note. Alison has decided to take a break from being a member of the board and will be taking a break with her position as Directors. Alison will still be very active with the club. I personally am thankful for the many years that Alison has been with us. And, look forward to many more. A replacement for the directors position should be voted on at our annual meeting.

We have another new member. I personally would like to welcome, our newest member, Barbara Desjardins. Welcome aboard Barbara and I hope to see you at another hunt test, real soon.

Our next meeting will be at Peg and Lou's house. We are all pitching in for pizza and everyone is welcome. The meeting will be held on January 9th at 4.00 PM. Please contact Peg or Lou for directions.

I'm sorry everyone: with the holiday season once again upon us, and the specialty show coming up this Sunday, this president's letter is going to be on the short side. So, sit back in your favorite chair with your favorite Shorthair, and enjoy the Katahdin Newsletter. There is bound to be a few brags and I hope to see you all at the December Specialty Show.

Enjoy Your Dog,

Tommy Dwyer
President
Katahdin German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Greater Portland