The black and white pups are Chocko's litter.  The gray and white pup is Tara 
who was a rescue now living with a lady in California.  Chocko is on the right.  

1. The beginning of the meeting with Bill Hommel introducing himself, his new wife, and their Klee Kai, Chocko.  Chocko was a produced by two AKK's.  It was reported that Eileen had used her leverage to keep the dog from being registered in spite of the fact that she and her parents all pass the standard requirements.  With this in mind, the Klee Kai Committee decided last year at the annual meeting to register Chocko with the local group.  This would benefit not just this particular dog, but if her pedigree could be linked to our database, she would bring in new blood.  Her pedigree did link to our local database.
2. The next item discussed was the health of the breeder, Carroll Parkison.  Her difficulty breathing causes her to have low energy.  She expressed the need for officers to be willing to help more in the coming year. 
3. Carroll Parkison reported that she tried to get a professional handler to hold a conformation clinic for us.  They would have been able to attend our regularly scheduled meeting; however,  since the date was changed to accommodate Linda Spurlin, the handlers had a busy weekend showing dogs and were unable to change their schedules at such a late date. Linda didn�t make it, in spite of the date change.
4. Carroll Parkison mentioned plans to schedule next year�s picnic and meeting on a date so that there isn�t a conflict with major shows in this area.
5. Cathy Petite brought various pieces of agility equipment and held a brief clinic to show people how to use the equipment.  
6. A vote was taken to elect officers for the coming year. Penny Ripple was nominated and re-elected as President.  Nancy Turner was elected as the Vice President/Secretary.  Carroll Parkison was re-elected as the Registrar and Treasurer

7. The need for more committees was discussed.  People are needed to promote showing of Klee Kai and for fund raising and other activities.  It is expected that people will have to be appointed during the year as advisors and to fulfill needed tasks. There were no comments. 
   

   The meeting was adjourned until next year.

   Respectfully Submitted by Nancy Turner, 
   Vice President/Secretary

    

      

   Nancy Turner, our secretary has submitted a few articles.  She lost her Kali last year 2 weeks before Christmas.  She got Maya around the time of last years picnic, you may remember.  So, Maya has been working overtime at cheering up her entire family after such a loss.  She has following in Kali's foot (paw) steps nicely during their therapy sessions, kissing the tears away from many who need a soft touch.  What wonderful dogs these are.

   Here are Nancy's articles.  

   Puppy Envy
   
   Nestling next to me on an old knit sweater slumbers my new puppy.  Nary a worry nor want troubles this little being.  In her slumber she stretches and whispers sweet morning sighs, unaware of the world�s wrath. As I watch her sleep I become aware of my wistful longing and envy, inhaling the feelings as if they were wafting in the air like the scent of cinnamon and sage.  How I wish I might slip off my weighted winter cloak of fears and curl my tired soul amongst the wooly wrap of an old sweater. Let the winds of fate swirl up the valley and past my door.  I will sleep snuggled in my nest, warm and whole.

   Nancy Turner                

   Hounds and Human Health

   No one goes to the expense and bother to purchase and train a puppy to improve their health.  It never occurs to us that there is any connection between, for example, cleaning up puppy pee and feeling good.  But research shows that dog owners suffer fewer health problems than people without a dog.  Maybe they only tested people with adult dogs.  The research makes no mention of the fact that dog owners repeat particular mantras, like: �He�s a Miniature Husky.�  �Down, stay down!� �Good dog!�  Could it be that it is the daily ritual of reciting mantras that improves health, rather than the presence of a pet?  Someone should design a study of people who are pet-free and would repeat these particular mantras, preferably several times a day. Of course, finding volunteers who would repeat, �He�s a Miniature Husky,� and so on, wouldn�t be easy.  

   In spite of the heartbreak when our beloved dog dies, the research shows that dog owners are less at risk from heart disease than people who don�t have dogs. I tried convincing my life insurance provider that my rates should be reduced because I own a dog, and therefore would live longer than the average non-pet owner.  Rates are lower for non-smokers; Why not dog owners?  He wouldn�t go for it.    

   So next time you are trying to decide whether or not to buy the premium dog food or the stuff that�s on sale, or you�re dog is scratching at the door for a walk and you�ve just flicked on the TV, think about it.  Why not pamper your dog?  He or she brings you good health and long life.  What can be worth more than that?   

   Nancy Turner           

   This year the picnic is being held on August 17th which is a Saturday at Carroll's house, 51 Katies Lane, Washougal, WA (MAP attached).  We couldn't possibly have a second picnic without Mary Lou and Browne.  They were unable to come last year and have a previous commitment for the 18th this year.  So, in honor of our long time members, this years picnic is going to be on a Saturday.

   The meeting will begin at 1PM.  There is a lot of business to be taken care of, so don't plan on eating until 2PM.  If you have an acquaintance who is savy in the business of breed clubs and dog shows, bring them along.  The UKC requires a different method of electing board members, but for this year we will continue with our old methods.  After recognition, if it is necessary we will have to re-nominate and vote on our officers again. We will be voting on the Alaskan Klee Kai Constitution and By-Laws, so please be sure to review them before the meeting.  

   As usual, this is a bring a dish picnic where I furnish the hamburgers, buns, paper plates and eating utensils and you bring a dish sufficient to feed at least the number of people in your party who are attending.  

   Please RSVP, (360) 837-1429 or [email protected], right away so that we can make the appropriate plans.  If you decide you won't be able to come, please contact me at the e-mail address above, with your current e-mail address.  In order to complete the requirements of the UKC, I need to furnish a list of all dogs, their owners, addresses and e-mail addresses.  Your help in this matter is certainly appreciated.  If I'm not home, please leave a message.  If you've extended an invitation to someone else, please be sure to mention that and give me a head count for the number of people from your group/family who will be attending.  Please let me know what you'd like to bring so that everyone doesn't bring the same thing. 

   Thank you all for hanging in there while trying to get this UKC recognition.  It is finally happening and I'm happy to be able to report that to you and express my thanks for your patience. Now I need all the help I can get from all of you in order to get this club organized to the point of hosting specialty shows, maybe even some agility shows, holding regular meetings, and last but not least, fund raising so that the organization can support itself.  We are in the beginnings of a great thing.  So, let's all get excited and do great things ourselves.  Bring all your ideas and enthusiasm with you. 

        Carroll Parkison