The BEC program “The Weimaraner Breed Standard” was introduced on October 7, 2006, at the Eastern Futurity/Maturity in North Branch, N.J. Approximately 35 WCA members attended, and we heartily thank them for their participation. Each attendee provided a donation of $10 to help fund the program, and in turn received a packet containing the program on CD, and various program related handouts. The presentation lasted about 2 hours.

General reception of the program was enthusiastic and positive. Several of the attendees spoke to committee members personally and offered insightful feedback. Most agreed that the in-depth review of the standard was very useful, but that additional information on structure and gait would be a plus, as would tools for developing an “eye” toward recognition of breed type. Just as in High School, all agreed that a little less history would be an improvement!

The presentation will be revised using feedback from the audience as input. The next BEC presentation of “The Weimaraner Breed Standard” will be in May, 2007 during National Specialty week in Cranberry, PA. We hope you will all join us. This presentation will be offered at Regionals for the balance of 2007. The BEC plans to develop a new segment of the program every year, covering a myriad of topics useful in developing your breeding program; for example, evaluating breeding stock, study of pedigrees, choosing a stud dog, puppy contracts, whelping a litter, and the list goes on and on.

Anyone who was unable to attend the first presentation and would like to receive a copy of the program on CD and the handout packet, please contact Amy or Bonnie via email or telephone. Contact info is listed on the committee page of the WCA magazine.

This month’s magazine brings you the first in a series of 3 articles on canine nutrition written by Susan Lauten, PhD. Susan earned her PhD in the biomedical sciences from Auburn University. She is currently at the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine where her work includes management of the nutritional aspects of hospitalized patients. Susan attends outpatient appointments for nutrition consultations, trains veterinary students, interns, and residents; evaluates and formulates home-cooked enteral (by mouth) and parenteral (intravenous) nutrition, provides continuing education for veterinarians and consults with veterinarians across the country. Susan also maintains a private consulting service to provide nutrition counseling to pet owners and veterinarians that do not have ready access to a veterinary nutritionist.

Susan has shared her heart and home with her Weimaraners for over 30 years, and at one time bred under the prefix of ”Ruffian”. We all wish to thank Susan for her much appreciated contribution to our effort.

Read this month's article : Nutrition, part I (Pre-breeding, gestation, parturition, lactation, and weaning)