It’s hard to believe we’re already well into 2019!
Congratulations to the 2019 Flushing Spaniel Show Best in Show winner, Sussex Spaniel GCHS Kamand’s Full of Beans @ Erinhill; the Best Cocker Spaniel in Show, Black Cocker Spaniel GCHP Clerwood Silhouette Speed of Light; and the Cocker Spaniel Futurity winner, ASCOB Cocker Spaniel Bleumoon’s Raspberry Beret.
The just-completed Flushing Spaniel Show in Knoxville saw an increase in entry in no small part thanks to the Clumber Spaniel Club of America, the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America, the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America, and the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America for hosting parent club specialties on Friday. It was especially thrilling to see such a large entry of Welsh Springer Spaniels and a return to the Flushing Spaniel Show by the Irish Water Spaniels. Their increased participation is greatly appreciated.
Show chair Jane Williams and her entire committee deserve our thanks as well for their hard work and a job well done!
Planning is already underway for the 2020 Flushing Spaniel Show. We look forward to seeing even more of our spaniel friends in Knoxville next year.
For all of us shivering in this winter’s deep freeze – think July! We’re having a beach party at the ASC National at Purina Farms, including a luau fundraiser for the American Spaniel Club Foundation. Pack your shades, shorts, and flip flops and get ready for a great time. The 2019 show committee wants as many people there as possible to share in the fun.
The American Spaniel Club Foundation continues its efforts for the health and well-being of all of our dogs. The Foundation project most of you are familiar with is the Eye Support Cockers research effort. While some research progress is being made in finding genetic markers, there’s more work to be done. Dr. Aguirre and his research team are asking all of us to continue to providing them with valuable information through consistent and repeated eye exams. All donations are welcome. Just a reminder if you write checks, make them out to ASC-F or the American Spaniel Club Foundation.
One of the most important responsibilities of your elected officers and Board is to ensure that the club’s finances are managed in a responsible way to ensure that the club cannot only operate in the short term, but also with an eye on the future. This past year, the ASC’s finance committee did a complete review of the club’s budget and financial affairs with an eye on the ways in which the club can most effectively operate in the years ahead. The Board is considering several ideas which will allow us to trim some expenses, while allowing the club to continue to provide members with quality events and activities. More information on those ideas will be provided as the Board works through the approval process.
Remember- each day with you is the best day of your dog’s life. Be the kind of person your dogs believe you are.
Diane Kepley, ASC President
