60 Saber Tails Fall 2017

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America

AKC DELEGATE’S REPORT

Committee & Delegates’ Meetings

The following is a report of the AKC Delegates’ Meeting held on Tuesday, September 12, 2017.

The Forum

The newly enacted AKC Scent Work Program was presented.  This event offers a recreational version of detective work 

that is fun and safe for both the dog and the handler.   A cotton swab that is blind to both the handler and the dog is put 

into a scent vessel.  Scents include birch, anise, clove and cypress, plus the handler’s scent for that event.  Search areas 

are inside and outside, with and without diversion.  Classes include Novice, Advanced, Excellent, Master, and Detective 

Class.  AKC has the only event with buried hides.   No “pre-test” is required to enter a class.  To date 126 clubs are licensed, 

with 8 new Scent Work Clubs admited into the AKC, 229 judges approved, and 106 events scheduled for the balance of 

2017.

Several videos were shown of dogs and handlers working various classes.  This program is generating a lot of excitement 

and participation.

Delegates’ Meeting

The meeting was called to order by President Dennis Sprung, and he introduced the people on the dias.  Delegates 

voted for candidates running for the several Delegate Committees.   Ms. Gina DiNardo, Executive Secretary, read the 

names of the 13 Delegates seated since the last meeting.  New Delegates were introduced, and the minutes of the June, 

2017 meeting were approved as published.  

President’s Report

Mr. Sprung called for a moment of silence on this the 16th anniversary of the attack on our country.  

ReUnite Update

Mr. Alan Kalter reported that the western fires and two hurricanes have caused untold pain and hardship to communi-

ties, people and their pets.  Relief trailers and financial donations have been used to provide assistance to those affected.  

To date, $1.6 million has been raised for trailers with 63 in the field and 6 in the pipeline.  $70,000 was given to shelters 

for rebuilding and for housing pets.  All the shelters agreed to a 30 day waiting period before adopting out the pets.  The 

Pet Disaster Relief Fund works across all events, with 100% for relief, no fees assessed.

CFO’s Report

Mr. Joseph Baffuto reported the following data as of 7-31-17:

                                                2017                            2016

Revenue                      

41.5 mil                       37.0 mil

Expenses                     

36.8 mil                       33.7 mil

Operating Income         4.7 mil                         4.0 mil

Cont’d on p 81