FAKC re-elects Judy Seltrecht as president
at August 2023 annual delegates'
meeting
The deletgates to the Flrodia Association of Kennel Clubs met on August 5, 2023 to elect its officers and discuss issues affecting purebred dogs and the dog clubs in Florida. Delegates elected FAKC officers for the next 12 motnhs, including: Judy Seltrecht as president, Cathy Driggers as 1st vice president, Pat Kennedy as 2d vice president, Leah James as 3d vice president, Susan Thibodeaux as secretary, and Diane Roberts as treasurer. Guest speaker Patti Strand, president of the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) spoke on the importance of FAKC member clubs and breeders advocating our positions publicly, and guest speaker Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia, AKC board member, also spoke on breeding and raising better puppies.
AKC creates the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank
On July 31, 2023, the American Kennel Club (AKC) annoucned its formation of the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank as a canine genetic material repository primarily focused on frozen semen. AKC stated that the mission of the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank (AKCPPB) is to ensure the viability of purebred dogs both now and in the future, particularly in low population breeds. While coordinating efforts with non-profit breed-specific clubs, the AKCPPB intends to educate breeders, clubs, and the public about the importance of safeguarding frozen semen and protecting purebred dog breeds for future decades. There will be no cost to the owner/donor or Parent Club to donate genetic material. Preservation of genetic material is not just for the breeds with lower-than-average levels of breeding activity. Any breed could be susceptible to genetic bottlenecks or difficulties as the discovery of new diseases emerges or other crises arise. Storing diverse genetic material could address unknown future health concerns and rejuvenate breeding programs.
FAKC's 2023 Annual Meeting Announcement
The annual meeting of the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, starting at 9 AM, at the Doubletree by Hilton at Universal Studios, Meeting Rooms: Sun & Surf I & II, 5780 Major Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32819. Our featured guest speakers following the meeting will be: Patti Strand, President, National Animal Interest Alliance, and Dr Carmen Battaglia, Delegate German Shepherd Club of America, Board of Directors American Kennel Club. Lunch provided at a nominal fee of $ 20.00/person to help defer the some of the cost. You are welcome to bring a guest to listen to our fantastic speakers. Delegates only permitted to speak at the annual meeting.
RSVP to Diane Roberts, fakc.treasurer@gmail.com no later than July 22, 2023. She will provide an invoice whereby you may pay for your lunch via PayPal or Mail your payment to FAKC, 11904 McMullen Loop, Riverview, FL 33569. Payments will also be accepted by the Treasurer at the Meeting, August 5, 2023, an RSVP is still necessary. If have special dietary needs please notate below and we will try to accommodate.
AKC's Impact in Florida in 2021
Delta Airlines changes rules for Emotional Support Animals
Delta Airlines has announced an effort to crack down on abuse of the
rules regarding allowing Emotional Support Animals (ESA) to fly free in the
cabin. Because people have taken allowances to the extreme, flying with
animals such as pigs, ducks, snakes, spiders, etc., people who are in real
need will now have to provide substantial documentation, in Delta's attempt
to close the loop-hole.
From now on, three completed forms will need to be provided at least 48 hours prior to your flight with an ESA: (1) a Veterinary Health Form; (2) a letter from a medical or mental health professional stating that you are under their care and need the ESA (valid for 1 year); and (3) a document confirming animal training, such as a graduation certificate from an obedience class. In spite of all that, final determination to allow the ESA on the flight will be up to the Delta ticket agent. Follow this link to Delta's new rule and details about the three documents.
New AKC obedience exercises take effect May 1, 2018
The AKC Board of Directors approved revisions to the obedience regulations, to replace the group exercises in the obedience Novice and Open classes, as well as in the Preferred Novice, Preferred Open, Graduate Novice, and Team classes, with new exercises that will demonstrate a dog’s ability to stay. This change will remove the opportunity for dogs to leave their position and interfere with other dogs in competition. Thh the approved regulation changes take effect on May 1, 2018. , Videos will be produced and distributed on the AKC Obedience/Rally YouTube Channel to demonstrate correctly performed exercises. A copy of the revised regulations are linked here.
Economic impact of AKC dog events in Florida
The
American Kennel Club (AKC) now represents more than 5,100 dog clubs
nationally, including 178 clubs in the State of Florida. The AKC sanctions
thousands of dog events each year, which generate significant economic
benefits to local communities in addition to the millions of dollars AKC dog
owners in Florida spend annually on their dogs.
Here are the statistics for the State of Florida over the past three
years:
2012: AKC licensed and sanctioned 637 events in the state of
Florida, in which more than 143,130 dogs participated.
2013: AKC
licensed and sanctioned 703 events in the state of Florida, in which more
than 145,260 dogs participated.
2014: AKC licensed and sanctioned 731
events in the state of Florida, in which more than 151,300 dogs
participated.
The AKC conducts ongoing research regarding the economic
impact of AKC events in localities throughout the state, as well as of AKC
registered dogs in the state. Surveys demonstrate that exhibitors at AKC
conformation dog shows spend an average of $512 per show weekend. This means
spending by AKC dog show exhibitors for a show weekend could inject more
than $1.5 million into the local economy.
"Why Breed Specific Legislation Does Not Work"
AKC's webinar and legislation website
The AKC's Government Relations department has released a webinar, "Why Breed-Specific Legislation Doesn’t Work", which explains breed-specific legislation (BSL) and outlines why breed-specific laws are not a good solution to the dangerous dogs problem. It’s available here on YouTube and easy to share with club members, local dog owners and your legislators.
AKC's Government Relations department also has launched the online AKC Legislative Action Center (LAC), which will make it easier for dog lovers to learn more about and advocate on key legislative and regulatory issues that impact dogs and dog ownership.
Animal Rightists are behind forced neutering, dog limit laws
Dog Press column: Almost all mandatory spay/neuter and limit laws originated with H$U$, PETA, or SPCA and were supported by well meaning people without a clue. The Dog Press. By Teresa Crisman, Morningstar Miniature Schanuzers, Logan, NM.
Our advocates at the Florida legislature
FAKC
is extremely fortunate to have as its advocates before the Florida
legislature and other government agencies the government relations firm of
Mixon & Associates (M&A) and its principals, M. Juhan Mixon, Pat C. Mixon,
and their daughter, Corrine Mixon. Their office is located in Tallahassee.
The Mixons offer their services to FAKC and its member clubs as their invaluable contributions to our club and to furthering our relationships with governing bodies throughout Florida. Their firm also represents the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, and in addition, they are breeders of AKC champion Cavalier King Charles spaniels.
During the 2009 state legislative session, M&A were our "initial responders" to the overwhelming flurry of bills filed on behalf of H$U$, PETA, and the other "animal rights" groups which induced Florida legislators to file anti-breeder and anti-pet bills. FAKC’s officers were in contact with Pat or Juhan almost daily. M&A would alert FAKC about the bills, what the legislative language would mean if enacted, what hearings on the bills and other legislative events were upcoming, and how we should organize to combat the legislation. When FAKC officers visited Tallahassee to meet with legislatures and attend hearings, Pat and Juhan arranged the visits and also attended the meetings and hearings.
Juhan spoke at FAKC’s January 2009 meeting in Altamonte Springs, and both Pat and Juhan gave presentations to the club at its annual meeting this past August, teaching our member clubs’ representatives about grassroots organizing against the anti-pet bills being considered by counties, cities, as well as the legislature.
Juhan
Mixon holds a doctorate in education administration, and he has held several
responsible positions in education including a principalship at the
elementary level and assistant principal at the middle school level,
Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Pinellas County and Deputy
Commissioner of Education for the State of Florida under two Commissioners.
After leaving the Department of Education, Dr. Mixon worked as a
consultant for governmental affairs with the Bryant, Miller and Olive law
firm. In July 1992, he opened Mixon & Associates, which now has a staff of
nine and represents ten school board districts, the Florida Association of
School Administrators, the Florida High School Athletic Association,
numerous corporations involved in education, healthcare, and the funeral
industry. Juhan is responsible for lobbying all facets of health, business,
and educational issues, and ha access to virtually every department and
agency in government and the Florida legislature.
Prior to joining her
husband at M&A, Pat Mixon worked with the physically challenged in both
private and public settings. She was employed two years in Palm Beach with
the Easter Seal Society working with physically challenged children and for
four years in public schools in Jackson and Gadsden Counties. She then used
her people and management skills in a very successful real estate business
for fifteen years.
Her
areas of expertise at M&A are healthcare, veterinary medical issues,
agriculture, and other business and association related legislation. She
works with a large group of physicians and the Florida Academy of Physician
Assistants as well as the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. Pat tracks
a variety of issues before the legislature and participates in the
development of laws and rules impacting the many associations and clients
that the firm represents. She actively participates in legislative campaigns
and organizes political action activities for M&A’s clients and trains
associations and clients in the importance of grassroots political
activities.
Corinne Mixon has handled day-to-day governmental communication to the legislators, lobbies various issues, and handles political action committee issues for clients ranging from the Florida Rental Dealers Association and the independent Funeral Directors of Florida, to the Florida Association of School Administrators and the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants.
FAKC and its member clubs could not possibly afford all of the wonderful services which Pat and Juhan and Corrine Mixon provide for us as their generous contributions to our goals and to the pet owners and dog breeders of the State of Florida. Whenever you see them, be sure to tell them how much appreciated they are by our members.
Mixon & Associates is located at 119 East Park Avenue, Tallahassee, telephone 850-222-2591, website mixonandassociates.com
All AKC puppies should be registered
As part of the “front lines” of purebred dogs, AKC
relies on its loyal breeders to communicate the benefits and importance of
AKC registration to their puppy buyers. To ensure a strong future for you,
your fellow breeders, and all purebred dogs, AKC needs all of its breeders
to make a concerted effort to ensure that every puppy in each litter you
have bred gets registered with the AKC. AKC has implemented a new initiative
to help you accomplish this goal.
The AKC has begun sending all breeders who register a litter an email asking them to provide us with their new puppy buyers’ contact information. The email includes information on our new Online Litter Record Service. This service allows breeders to supply AKC with new puppy buyer contact information in an easy-to-use online format. If the breeder does not want to use the new online service, a link to a printable version of the litter record is also available.
The new puppy buyers will then receive an e-mail or letter from AKC detailing the benefits and importance of AKC registration. The new puppy buyers will only be contacted by AKC. Their names will not be sold or used for any other promotions or marketing when given through this initiative. As you have experienced, puppy buyers tend to be more concerned about caring for their new puppy at the time of purchase, and often forget about one of the most important steps of responsible dog ownership – AKC registration. Our goal is to reinforce their decision of purchasing an AKC puppy and to educate them on the many benefits that they can receive with registration.RETURN
AKC is dedicated to promoting responsible dog ownership and educating new puppy buyers about registration benefits and the important programs that every registration supports. Registration dollars help AKC fund important educational programs, support the research of health issues through donations, and continue to subsidize AKC events. Our registration numbers also help us to maintain legislative influence and ensure that like-minded organizations continue to support the AKC through alternative revenue programs and sponsorships.
With your support, and by working together, AKC will be able to take the necessary steps to ensure its long and healthy future as the nation’s preeminent purebred dog registry. For more information or to use the new Online Litter Record Service, please click here. Please note this service can be used for recent or past litters.
Diane J. Albers
February 18, 1943 – December 20, 2008
On
the morning of December 20, 2008, just a week after the Orlando Cluster,
Diane Albers died peacefully in her sleep. The dog world, especially in
Florida, will never be the same. Whether we realize it or not, all our lives
have changed forever. Diane spoke for us all and feared no one. Diane fought
for us all and no just cause was too large for her to handle or too small to
get her attention. Diane helped us all whatever the need, whatever the hour,
whatever the cost. She was the advocate supreme. In truth, she wore herself
out working for us.
Diane was born on February 18, 1943 in Patterson, New Jersey. As a young woman, she was a pediatric nurse and she kept her medical knowledge current throughout her life. She leaves a husband, Frank, a son and several grandchildren and Bulldog children. She apprenticed under Duncan Wright, the fabled activist who headed the American Dog Owners Association when it was a significant force in rooting out inhumane treatment of dogs and fighting unfair and restrictive laws impeding dog ownership; it was from him that she learned her skills in politics and legislative design.
Diane became president, AKC delegate and show chairman of the Central Florida Kennel Club, Inc, in the mid-1970’s and held those positions until her death. Diane was elected president of the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs, Inc in 1979 and re-elected every year since. She singlehandedly transformed the FAKC from a state organization of dog clubs principally concerned with promoting dog shows to a powerful vehicle for improving and protecting the interests of dogs and the dog fancy, expanding into the arenas of animal welfare, legislation both state and local, animal rescue, disaster relief for animals and consumer protection. She possessed a very rare talent for organization; she knew who had everything you needed and how to get them to give it to you. She could do more with just a telephone than whole corporations can accomplish. She was a veritable library of information on many subjects and remembered everything. And she was very persuasive, but, if necessary, could be equally intimidating. She knew how to manage legislation and legislators. She knew how to write laws to be fair and effective and she knew how to attack laws that were not.
Under her guidance, the FAKC funded a chair for the study of canine reproduction problems at the College of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Florida and provided an 800 telephone number for easy access to assistance by clubs and individuals with problems related to pure bred dogs. This service is invaluable when dealing with disaster relief and actually came about in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew.
In 1991, she was instrumental in securing the passage of state legislation forbidding local governments from passing laws banning ownership of dogs based on breed only and successfully defended it against almost yearly attacks. A very serious attack is underway in the coming legislative session. What will we do without her?
In 1993 when it became clear that Hurricane Andrew was heading straight for Miami, Diane organized the first major animal disaster relief project. The day after the storm struck she arrived in Miami with a convoy of eighteen-wheelers filled with dog food, water, ice, medical supplies and equipment, crates, etc and established a free veterinary clinic in a partially demolished strip mall in south Miami. That clinic, funded by contributions from dog clubs and individuals around the world, remained open for almost two years. A large percentage of the animals which survived the storm and its aftermath were rescued by that unit. This was before the popularity of microchips for identification. Each ownerless animal brought into the unit was photographed and described along with the location where it was found. These animals were evacuated from the disaster area to foster homes and their movements precisely recorded so that when the owners came looking for them later, they could be located quickly. She accomplished more than anyone could have imagined with very little money. The volunteer network she established has remained a major player in subsequent disasters, the Florida fires of 1998, Hurricane Katrina and the recent Missouri floods, to name a few.
Diane has left an indelible imprint on the dog world. She will be very hard, if not impossible, to replace. We can only do our best to continue the work that she did so well and hope that we are adequate.
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