Summer 2019 Saber Tails 5    

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Letter To The Editor:

(I have always considered this to be silly, don’t you want more than the editor to read this?)

Having given a great deal of thought following the National, I am left with two choices.  I can sit back and do noth-

ing or express my opinion.  The Committee, in particular, Lora and her mother did a fabulous job.   I am not about 

burning bridges but believe in growth and progress.

Although I have been a member for a relatively short time compared to so many other members, I have been fortunate 

beyond my wildest dreams.  I see a club that in my opinion needs to come together for the benefit of the breed we 

love.  Doesn’t everyone in the club want what is best for our dogs- Health and Success?

If there are Club bylaws and rules, why weren’t they followed?  Sweeps in all of the Breed Clubs I know of have rules 

governing who may participate in both the Puppy and Veteran Sweepstakes. Sweepstakes were designed for owners, co-

owners or breeders. This was not the case at the 2019 National.  We are all passionate about our dogs however, passion 

and emotion should not dictate or override club rules.  It was disappointing to see this unfold.  If this was allowed to 

happen once where does it stop?

I am not new to the sport of dogs as I have been involved my entire life obtaining my first purebred dog in 1976 and 

was a founding member of a breed club as well as a longtime member of our local obedience club for nearly 42 years. 

All of the clubs I belong to follow procedures allowing for a more conventional meeting.  I would like to see a more 

formal Annual Meeting including motions, seconds, discussions and voting. 

The Regional/National isn’t just a beauty contest. I believe we are all there to celebrate all that is PBGV.  I have dis-

covered to my delight that PBGVs are capable of learning and excelling in a multitude of sports.  Having trained and 

bred Golden Retrievers for many years, I can truly appreciate the accomplishments of titling a PBGV on both ends.  I 

believe to have a truly balanced dog, healthy in mind and body they need more than just a title at the front end.  All 

dogs appreciate a job and desire approval. While not everyone is equipped or willing to dedicate the time and effort to 

train, those that choose to preserve their PBGVs’ instincts and triumphs should be recognized.

I was intensely disappointed in the lack of attendance for the Awards Dinner.  All titles should be cherished.  I was 

delighted to receive my award and afforded the opportunity to speak about my dog.  I believe this should be continued 

as part of the Awards Dinner, maybe add a red carpet (just kidding, or not?).  I would be tempted to volunteer for the 

Awards Chair but could never read the names, Spanish and ASL are my alternate languages.  French is out of my ball 

park.  I know Beverly has big shoes to fill as she did a great job.

I love a theme at the National, I love that we continue to add events and would like to see Barn Hunt as the next addi-

tion. I love making new friends and reconnecting with old friends.  A small club such as ours should provide as many 

opportunities as possible. I am excited to see the 2020 National offering a hunt!

I look forward to the 2020 National.

Grooming is another issue but I will leave that one alone for now.   Teri King