Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd

From the ADAA Chair ... July 08

Despite an overcast and rainy afternoon on Friday, the Qld Training Camp turned out to have fabulous weather. This year’s attendees travelled from as far as Calliope and we saw a full range of skills from very raw beginners to some of our seasoned handlers and dogs. The newly introduced day registrations were well received and there were the 45+ participants each day. I would like to again thank all of our (volunteer) instructors, without whom we could not offer such a camp (in alphabetical order): Neville Allen, Allison Britton, Jane Barron, Heidi Bradshaw, Sharon Dungey, Julianne Hoey, Natalie Kirkwood, Jo Lewohl, Margaret Lind, Kerry Lovell, Damian Noud, Sharyn Palmer, Maria Thiry and Gordon Thiry. I would also like to thank Tony Windred (of Noah's Ark Animal Physiotherapy) for coming along and delivering his session on fitness, warm ups and massage. In addition, a number of other people helped during and with the organisation of the camp, therefore thanks to: Marion Allen, Nat Creedon, Steve Drinkwater, Jeanette Durante, Coral Ellis, Julianne Hoey, Gayle King and Maria Pasko. Finally, with no equipment there is no Agility, so thanks to Agility Dog Club of Queensland, Pine Agility Dog Sports Club and SunCoast FunDogs Agility Club and their members. For those of you in NSW, don’t fret that you’ve missed out, the schedule for the NSW Training camp is being finalised and will be available shortly. The most important thing to do is make sure you have set aside the weekend 30-31 August 2008.

Congratulations to the Agility Dog Club of Queensland Inc upon taking over the keys of their new clubhouse and equipment storage area, together with access to a brand new toilet block – sponsored by the Federal Government and facilitated by Ipswich City Council. I know the Committee and members are looking forward to moving into their new home. Also Pine Agility Dog Sports Club has just moved out of their existing clubhouse as they get ready to move into their new building. It is great to see clubs getting external support so they can improve their member facilities.

Your attention is drawn to a number of notices recently issued regarding Kennel Cough in the South East Queensland area. Members are advised that three of the affected dogs are known to have shared drinking water/drinking bowl and it is believed that this is the likely source of transfer. Any contact between the fourth dog and these dogs is entirely incidental, highlighting the contagious nature of Kennel Cough. Nevertheless it is recommended that members review whether or not their dog(s) share bowls/water, even with other dogs that they socialise with on a regular basis.

Preparations for Grand Prix 2008 are in full swing. Don’t forget if you would like to participate in a team at the Grand Prix, but you don’t have all of your team members (or any team members for that matter) organised, you can put a request on your entry form for ADAA to match you with other people looking for team members. The Grand Prix is a fabulous event with great camaraderie and festivities, come along and experience the fun.

For those interested in the IFCS World Agility Championships, the 2008 official results for all events have now been uploaded to ADAA’s website. In addition, there is a great article in National Dog regarding ADAA and Australia’s participation at this year’s WAC (with thanks to Penny Mead). It is especially nice to see the achievements recognised in a national magazine.

A further reminder that it is the end of our financial year and renewal of memberships that expired on 30 June 2008 are now overdue. A preliminary list of members whom we have been unable to contact (8kb PDF) has been loaded to the ADAA website, as has a list of memberships for whom we do not have a record of receiving a renewal (as at 4 July 2008 - 12.5kb PDF).  Please check your last membership/renewal advice for your membership expiry date. If still unsure, or if you cannot locate the details, please email chairman@adaa.com.au and we will confirm when your membership expires. Unfinancial members of ADAA may not participate in any ADAA sanctioned events, and will cease to be a member after 31 July 2008.

May you enjoy your training with your dog and achieve your goals.

Cathy Slot
ADAA Chair

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