SSDCA Advisory Board Nominees: 2005

June 21, 2005

 Dear Fellow members and friends:

 Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving on the SSDCA Advisory Board for the last two terms and the honor of being re-nominated.

 Accepting this nomination was not done in haste.  I spent much time reflecting on my involvement with this organization for the past 9 years.

Things that came to mind were:  my initial excitement when meeting my first Shiloh in 1996; bringing home my very own Shiloh shortly thereafter; my first Homecoming; showing for the first time ever; championing my first dog ever; whelping litters; attending training and handling classes; participating in litter evaluations and becoming a qualified evaluator; certifying to become an adult Shiloh temperament tester; breeding my own Shilohs; being involved in many seminars as an instructor as well as a participant; assisting new LB’s; assisting in registry procedures; ingesting the vast information concerning our Breed; becoming a certified judge with the ISSR, Inc.; dealing with various controversial issues that have arisen throughout the years; watching members leave; watching new members arrive; sharing your individual joyful moments and your sorrowful ones.

I have been a part of the reconstruction of the SSDCA, Inc.  Seen the almost total destruction of our Breed Founder and literally seeing her “rise out of the ashes”.  I have lived through all the political propaganda, the “name calling” and the “finger pointing”.  You have read it all on our website. 

What amazed me most was the realization that I have been an integral part of it all.

BUT – PEOPLE!  I could not have done it without YOU!  I have met so many good and caring people and this would not have happened if it weren’t for my involvement with the Shiloh Shepherds.  It is the look on your faces and the joy in your voices when you get that long awaited for Shiloh puppy or adult.  It is being able to share with you privately and publicly your personal losses when you loose one of these soulful creatures. Hearing your many concerns. You have confided in me and trusted my judgment and advice. And for that I will always be forever grateful.

It is because of all of the above, that I wish to continue to be a part of the SSDCA, Inc. Advisory Board.  I want my grandchildren and their grandchildren to share in what all of us have today in this breed.

History is our past and I have been a part of that, but more important is the FUTURE of the Shiloh Shepherd.  We are about to take a giant step forward – yes, there is much preparation to be done, but Breed recognition is within our grasp – and I want to be a part of it – I have the knowledge and the desire to move us forward!

It has been a long, hard road – and I would like nothing better than to hear – “ And this year, we recognize and welcome, for the first time in our show arena, the SHILOH SHEPHERD”!!

Sincerely,

Lyn Segee
Licensed Breeder
Highlander Shepherds
Mount Morris, NY 14510

(585) 658-3240
lynhilandr@aol.com

Dear SSDCA Members,

Thank you for nominating me to run in the current election for the Board of Advisors.

It is hard to write about yourself and why you want something, especially when you know it will be posted on a website.  How to explain concisely why I would like to remain a member of the Board of Advisors?

First, the basics.  I live in the City of Buffalo, NY with my two male Shiloh Shepherds, Charley and Danny.  I have been a member of the SSDCA Inc since 1999 and on the Board of Advisors since 2001.  I am the membership coordinator; a member of the Genetic Task Force; an ISSR Licensed Breeder; a signer of the Breeders’ Code of Ethics and a member of NESSA, an authorized chapter of the SSDCA.  My registered kennel name is City Brick Shilohs.

Our club, the SSDCA Inc, as the parent club to the ISSR Inc is charged with promoting and protecting the breed that has captured our hearts.  In the dog world, I have come to learn the vital role and function that a parent club plays in each breed.  Through many venues, whether the conformation ring, booths at expos or fairs, and in our modern world through an online presence, a breed parent club can do much to increase the favorable public exposure of the dogs.  A breed parent club is the source of the best information about the history of a breed.  It also is instrumental in preparing for the future.

Our club in particular, has much work to do to aid our breed in development.  We have come far; we have much farther to go.  Official breed recognition is our ultimate goal.  Since I have been a member of the SSDCA, I have spent a good deal of time studying and researching our history, back to our roots.  I feel I have a solid grasp of our foundations and can help contribute to building a strong future.  I understand the underlying genetic principles that brought us to this point and how continued application will carry us forward. 

I am very familiar with and support wholeheartedly, the rules and regulations of the International Shiloh Shepherd Registry Inc. 

Although our breed club’s charge is to promote the dogs, the club itself is also about the members who have joined.  In our members lies our strength.  The diversity of talents, abilities and opinions is a resource that needs cultivation, encouragement and use.  I want to work to do that.  In the past, I have contacted other clubs and individuals to see where and how our members could participate.  Through my efforts two venues for our members to try herding with their dogs were found.  At one, we had a combined conformation specialty, herding introduction and STM seminar.  I have been in contact for several years with a local breed rescue group for mutual benefit in activities.  I have researched and announced health clinics for affordable testing of our dogs.  I will continue to do so.

As a current member of the Board of Advisors, I have participated in all online meetings and contributed my best efforts in resolving troublesome issues.  We aren't always successful, but I pledge to keep on trying, to keep on learning, to try to do better. 

Again, thank you for your consideration

Corinne Filipski

corfil@aol.com

Hello to all the Membership of the SSDCA,

My name is Pam Dymond-Weed. In our household are three Shilohs who rule the house and all surrounding environs They are treasured and thoroughly pampered by us. It is because of these three dogs that I have served on the Advisory Board of Directors for the past six years. It is because of Tina that I became so involved with this breed.

Tina's dream of developing this breed also brought about forming a club, the SSDCA. A club generally is a group of people with common interests that will help each other and support each other. Within the dog world that means showing (which encompasses conformation, obedience, agility, herding, etc.), breeding, health, training and any breed specific issues. To that end every club needs guidelines, rules and a board (or advisory board) to see to the daily operations. This is why we vote every three years. To select those whom we feel will best further the interest of the members and the breed. Also we elect those we feel will uphold the rules and regulations under which the club is governed. So here we are again at that three year period when it is time to select our Advisory Board.

You can read my two past write-ups for any information on who I am or what I do within this club. This time I wish to speak from the heart and not from accomplishments.

[1999 Letter |  2002 Letter]

Our club has been through it's share of ups and downs. It seems that people who are drawn to the Shiloh Shepherd are for the most part passionate people. Once we have our first Shiloh living among us we then become passionate about this breed. Passion can sometimes be a brief momentary feeling or it can last a lifetime. Tina has a lifetime of passion for this breed. Most of us have only a few years of passion for this breed. The current Advisory Board is composed of club members who have been with this club for quite a number of years. Each one of these people is passionate about this breed and along with that they are passionate about the SSDCA. We have worked for all these years to uphold our Constitution and By-laws. We have worked to further this Club and the Breed into the public's eye without compromising what it takes to maintain both. Sometimes it is a very difficult path to walk and sometimes it is a joyous path to walk. Tough decisions sometimes have to be made and your heart breaks when you have to stand by the rules to protect the greater good of the membership and the Club. But then there are the good times of fellowship and friendship that develop because of belonging to the Club. Being a Board member is not an easy task. In fact there are times it is down right difficult and arduous. So when you are looking at whom you want to vote for, take into account that the person needs to have nerves of steel and a stiff backbone. Also think of whether you feel comfortable speaking with these people regarding your cares and concerns for the club and breed. You need people on the ABOD who will listen to you and take what you say seriously. ABOD members also need good comprehension skills. (Read the Constitution and By-laws all the way through if you don't believe me.) ABOD members also need good communication skills. Sometimes they also need to be able to think quickly (though that gets tougher as you get older <g>). ABOD members need to be able to stay calm and collected even when storms are raging around them. And last but not least they need a good sense of humor. So when you are looking over the slate of candidates, try to keep in the back of your head what it takes to be a good board member. Vote only for who you think are the BEST to help take this Club into the future. Do not settle for anything less. Good luck!

pam dymond-weed and the gruesome threesome (or the three amigos)

ps Thank you to all who nominated me, I do feel honored by your trust!

I looked back and read the candidate letter that I wrote when I was first nominated in the last election.  A lot has changed in my life since that time.  I’ve changed jobs and I’m no longer working at a desk in a windowless office.

I have my dream job of working as a Puppy Advisor for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind where I’m outside every day working with and training dogs.  I also had a baby boy this past March and am now looking at life with a whole new perspective, not just at my own little world, but also at the world that my son will grow up in, and be a part of in the future.

I have always been an unwavering supporter of the Shiloh Shepherd breed, but now I find it even more imperative that we stand strong as a club and support Tina and the ISSR registry, because I want my son to have the same wonderful dogs in his future that I’ve seen in the years that I’ve been involved with this breed.

I’ve learned a lot over the past 3 years, both here in the Shiloh world, as well as in my work with the guide dog puppy program.  Through my ‘day job’ I understand the criticality of breeding and training the most stable, confident, healthy dogs possible so they can become guide dogs that people will depend their lives on.  That ties into and builds on the things that I’ve learned and worked towards here with the Shilohs.  We have exactly the same goals for our breed; to create the most intelligent, stable, healthy dogs the world has ever seen.

In addition to being an Advisory Board member, the most important projects that I’m currently involved with are:

• Being a member of the OSS and VIB groups.  Standing strong along with the ISSR breeders, encouraging and supporting new breeders and puppy owners, and supporting the SSDCA and ISSR completely.
• The Genetic Task Force, collecting and compiling data on the dogs in our genepool, with their faults and virtues, and being the webmaster for of our website, http://ShilohGTF.com
• The Shiloh Rescue Network, working to help rehome and rehabilitate ISSR Shilohs, and also running the website, http://ShilohRescue.com
• The STM forum, and the ongoing work with Tina on the format for the STM program.

This is a critical time for the Shiloh Shepherd breed, and all I can say is that if elected I will continue to work with the rest of the SSDCA Advisory Board for the good of the breed, and a future where ISSR Shiloh Shepherds are not just the original, but the ONLY Shiloh Shepherds around.

-          Debbie Knatz

-          dpknatz@optonline.net
http://ShilohsRidge.com

Hello Fellow Shiloh Lovers,

I am truly honored to have been nominated to sit on the Board, thank you.

For those of you who don't know me personally, let me share some history about myself. I was born and raised with GSD's. I stumbled across an ad for the Shiloh one day while looking through a dog magazine, and my dream was born. We acquired Vickey, one of the fire rescue dogs, from New Zion in March of 2000. One thing led to another and soon Allie entered my life. Allie was that once in a life time dog, the one who fulfilled my dreams. Because of her, I became a licensed ISSR breeder. My licensed name is BelleGrace Shilohs and I am located at Alleluia Kennels in the state of PA. My goal is to produce the best possible Shiloh, concentrating on health and sound temperament.

In the last five years I have had the privilege of having five of my Shilohs championed, 3 as adults and 2 as junior champions. I have brought one to National Select as well as having one hold the Grand Victrix title, twice. I have traveled many miles and hours to shows and expo's each year to help promote and educate the public on our awesome breed. All of my dogs are also trained in obedience, have passed their CGC, and are well socialized. I also have/had titled 4 dogs as therapy dogs and am active in my church and community.

I am involved with Shiloh Shepherd Rescue, I have fostered as well as transported many a Shiloh to their new forever homes. I am currently housing and working with 2 dogs that have environmental temperament issues, retraining and evaluating them in preparation for rehoming. This is something I am most proud of because every Shiloh is important.

In addition to being an ISSR Licensed Breeder, I am a VIB and in 2004 I became a member of the Genetic Task Force. I am a Certified Temperament Tester and am currently working towards becoming a Certified Litter Evaluator. In August 2004, I became the president of the newly formed Mid Atlantic Chapter (MAC). I am very excited about this chapter, we have some things planned for late summer, early fall. This gives us more experienced Shiloh owners a chance to invite people to learn and experience our breed.

Should I be blessed with being elected to a seat on the board, here are some of the goals I wish to accomplish:

1) My number one objective would be to do what is best for the future of our breed, period.

2) I believe in an open door policy, where every Shiloh owners opinion counts. I can be reached at belle-graceshilohs@worldnet.att.net for anyone who has any topics, concerns or issues they wish brought up to the board.

3) Our new chapter is very important to this area and I would like to organize more gatherings, pet expos, shows, and plain old fashion play-dates/meet-n-greets, where pet owners and breeders can get together, share thoughts, have fun, and promote the ISSR Shiloh.

In the past five years I have had my heart broken with the tragic loss of my two girls but have also been blessed with being able to be a part of bringing new lives into the world as well. It has been bittersweet, a difficult road, but my love for the Shiloh breed is a passion I share with all of you. I will do all that is in my power for the betterment of the breed as well as the breed's future.

Sincerely,
Dawn M Swick
BelleGrace Shilohs
ISSR LB# DSB100107

Dear SSDCA members:

I feel deeply honored to have been nominated to run for a position for the SSDCA Board of Advisors. Thank you to the person(s) who nominated me!

My name is Olga Twombly, and I live in Leesburg, VA, with my husband Wayne, our 22 year old daughter Monica, our Shiloh Shepherd Orion, and Monica’s cat Pippin. I am a registered nurse, with a deep interest in health in general, and our breed’s health in particular. After a few years of searching for the GSD I knew of old, I discovered the Shiloh Shepherd breed, and fell head over heel with it! I joined the SSDCA in March of 2002. Soon after joining the club, I realized there was a need for breeders to help Tina Barber continue to expand our magnificent breed. In July 2002 I registered my kennel, WhiteFang Shilohs, with the ISSR and was proud to sign the ISSR Breeders Agreement, and the ISSR Breeder’s Code of Ethics.

Although I haven’t been a member of the SSDCA for as long as some of my fellow nominees, I feel my love for this breed and my enthusiasm to strive for its continued success, are a great asset to the club. I want to see this breed succeed, and eventually, bring Tina’s dream into reality by seeing the Original Shiloh Shepherd fully recognized.

Since becoming a member of this club, I’ve done everything I could to help promote the breed. I’ve attended all of my chapter functions, and as many shows far and wide as my work schedule allowed. I also became an STM apprentice, hoping to not only learn the STM training method, but help others in training their dogs. I am certified as a Temperament Tester of older dogs (10-14 months), and I’m studying how to test puppies during LERs. I’ve also contributed articles to the GTF Dictionary of Diseases page. When Orion became disqualified to show, because of his ears, I didn’t give up. Instead, I volunteered to train as the Show Steward, and was proud to Steward last year’s Homecoming, as well as our chapter Specialty last November. I’ve served as the Secretary/Treasurer for the CASSA chapter, and currently serve as the Treasurer for our new SSDCA-MAC chapter. I would like to continue serving, by becoming a member of the Advisory Board. As a member, I hope to encourage the breed’s growth in several ways:

1-By continuing to uphold the ISSR rules and regulations and the SSDCA in order to safeguard the breed.

2-By encouraging the promotion of the breed whenever possible through shows, expos and get-togethers.

3-By encouraging all Shiloh owners to fully health test their dogs, and report it to the GTF, therefore increasing the health and genetic information of our breed, not just our breeding dogs.

If elected to the Board, I will work very hard to represent the members of the club in whatever capacity I am needed. And I pledge to continue to serve, promote and protect the Original Shiloh Shepherd breed.

Thank you for your votes!

Olga Twombly
WhiteFang Shilohs
Leesburg, VA
olga@whitefangshilohs.com

Greetings All:

My name is Vanessa Dutton and I am pleased to have been nominated to run for the SSDCA Advisory Board.  I have been owned by a Shiloh since 2000 and began my road to becoming a breeder at that time as well.  We now have three Shilohs in our family.

When asked if I would consider serving on this board, I asked myself what I would have to offer such a position?  Well, first of all, I have the experience of owning/breeding these dogs and have spent numerous hours researching pedigrees and faults/virtues of different lines in my search for compatible breeding mates.  I also run a 150 cow purebred cattle herd and through this have gained extensive knowledge in the field of genetics and have a solid understanding and appreciation of the value of and power of genetics.  I have been a member of the OSS forum (our breeder’s forum) since 2000 and have spent many hours trying to understand what sets our breed apart from the others and learning from our breed founder.

I feel that I have the diplomacy, foresight and commitment to serve on this board effectively and fairly.  I have chosen the ISSR not because I have to, as a breeder, but because I believe that through it, I will insure that my grandchildren and their children will be able to experience these awesome dogs.  If I can do my part to help this, then I would gladly serve on the SSDCA!

Sincerely,

Vanessa Dutton

Dear members of the SSDCA:

I am not sure what to write about myself in respect to serving on your board.  I consider my life a work in progress, just like our Shiloh Shepherds.  Although I have had dogs all my life, my understanding is this; that most people love dogs and are looking for intelligence, personal connection, stability of temperament, and particular characteristics; characteristics I have found in this breed.   I started doing research to replace my female German Shepards when she was very old.  After three years and a trip to a large AKC dog show in Detroit my wife and I discovered that the breeders were no longer producing the type of dog they once bred.  My wife and I were disappointed.   Through the providence of God we discovered the Shiloh Shepherd. 

Samson is our first Shiloh Shepherd.   He is a marvelous giant male, kind, confident, and embodies noble character.  Samson will surprise you with his independent thought!  I have learned that each Shiloh owners feels much the same about their dog as I do Samson.  If we organize our efforts correctly, we can make it possible for generations to follow to enjoy the companionship of one of these marvelous dogs.  I see no reason to fail in this endeavor, if we precede by making the right choices. 

If elected, and I have Tina’s support, and that of the other Board members, I will endeavor to bring unity back into the Shiloh world.  Can the Sliver Groups become one again in the same fold?  What are the points of division?  Is there an agreement we all can agree to uphold?  My efforts, if elected will be to bridge the gaps, heal the wounds, and make a lasting peace for the sake of the strength of the Breed.

Best regards,

Raymond DuRussell

I would like to accept the nomination for the SSDCA Advisory Board.  I have been a member of the SSDCA since 1998 and support the ideas and requirements of the Shiloh Shepherd Breed and the ISSR.  I have also helped to start SSONE, the New England Chapter of the SSDCA and have been Secretary/Treasurer since it was founded in 2002.  Both Sheila Masse and I have worked very hard to spread the word about Shiloh Shepherds and my Shiloh, Sezar, has been a terrific public relations representative and ambassador for the Shiloh Breed.

I would try to bring fresh opinions to the board since I’m not a breeder or involved in showing my Shiloh. I’m interested in upholding the Shiloh for the preservation of the breed as a whole.  They are truly a remarkable breed and I would like to keep them that way.

If you require any more information please e-mail: sezarpaw@verizon.net or phone: 413-773-3556 and I would comply.

 Sincerely,

Dianne Lacoy
Sec/Treas
SSONE 2002
Member SSDCA 1998

I am honored to have been nominated for the advisory board. I thank those who nominated me, for their confidence in my abilities and knowledge. I am currently the Vice-president of the Northwest chapter of the SSDCA. I attained this position in Spring 2001. I am also currently a board member of our local soccer club, PAYSC, here in Port Angeles, WA.  I have been a member of the SSDCA for about 5 1/2 years, which was just before I purchased my first Shiloh Shepherd, Sirius. I hadn't planned on becomming a breeder, at that time anyway. I just wanted a nice family pet!!  I attended Tina's Genetic's seminar in May 2000, and I was hooked! I have had an interest in animal genetics since I was about 10 years old, raising rabbits. I learned a lot more in the 10 years I raised exotic birds. I was thrilled to find out how much emphasis was put into the development of the Shiloh Shepherd. I started my studies with Tina and the LB's right away. I became a licensed breeder in early 2002, and have had 3 awesome litters of DNB puppies since then.

Strauss Haus Shepherds: I became licensed in 2002. At that time I had 2 Shilohs, Sirius and Isis. In late 2003, Jessie came to us, then Luna (Buffy) in summer 2004. Little Stormy joined us in November 2004 (from the Jessie/Sirius litter) and Jezebel arrived in March 2005. Needless to say, Shilohs have become my life, and I cant think of anything I would rather do!!!

Other Experience:  I have been working in the Criminal Justice field for 16 years. I am currently working in Family Law. I am also a Canine Quarry for both the Port Angeles Police Canine Unit and the Olympic National Park Canine Unit. I have been quarrying and assisting in training for about 3 years.
I am also working toward my degree in Veterinary Technology, though I have taken several quarters off to take care of my previous and current litters. I work at a Veterinary Hospital on weekends, and occasionally during the week. I have been doing this just under 2 years.

About me:  I am level headed and fair. I am able to make decisions based on evidence and fact, and not let emotion get in the way. My strength is my organizational skills. I believe the experience and knowledge, and my willingness to learn would be an asset to the SSDCA Advisory Board.

Thank you,
Jessica Strauss
Strauss Haus Shepherds
SSDCA Member
ISSR Registered VIB# JSS-090104
Vice President NWC


Where are They Now?

Lyn Segee, re-elected to the board in 2005, resigned in 2006.

Dawn Swick, elected to the board in 2005, resigned in 2006 having represented club members by attending part of one board meeting.

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