Quantcast
Channel: prov3110 | pleonast
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 43

Nearing the Home Stretch

0
0
 
National Purebred Dog Day Kickstarter Project

From Susi Szeremy, the "creator" of the National Purebred Dog Day webpage Kickstarter project (the subject of my last post):


Technically speaking, the final few days of a campaign are probably the real "home stretch" of a campaign, but with almost 30 days under our belt and only 12 more to go, it's hard not to feel the tingle of anticipation that comes near the completion a journey. Today was a really good day, probably the best since we met our goal, but it didn't start out that way. Two donations were canceled this morning with no explanation, and it's hard not to wonder why. As is (sic) to balance the scales, a slew of donations came later in the day, not coincidentally, I think, after learning that one of you shared the link to this page on scores of email lists to which you subscribe, blogs which you read, and on Facebook pages.


Keep it up, it truly makes a difference! Sharing this link (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1405558793/national-purebred-dog-day) with friends, relatives, colleagues, fellow dog owners and neighbors by posting it on Facebook pages, in correspondences and on email lists is how an idea becomes a grassroots effort. As purebred dog owners and ethical breeders, our voices need to be heard in the conversation about responsible dog ownership, and this campaign is getting noticed. From a day that no one heard of, to a campaign that's 122% funded with nearly two weeks to go IS a noteworthy thing - and you've been an integral part of it. If you donated, you are a thread in the fabric of our success. If you shared the link, mentioned the campaign to even one other person, or sent me a "pep talk" note, you are part of this. I hope you feel good about it because I'm so very proud of the community we've become. I guess you could call us "Purebred Dog Nation."


Keep it up, keep it rolling, keep on keeping on. You rock. Every single one of you.


Susi


MY NOTE: If you donated - please know your help is greatly appreciated. Purebred dogs fill a niche, and each one has their own purpose. Most of you know I own Dalmatians. How many of you know Dalmatians have been used not only as coach dogs and fire truck dogs, but also as hunting dogs (pointing and retrieving), hounds (sight and scent), guard dogs (part of being a coach dog), and show substantial herding instinct? Oh yes - there are other dogs who can fill those roles, but how many of them have the flair and distinctiveness of the spots that make a Dalmatian what it is?

Have you ever seen a blue heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) work it's charges? They go in low, actually bite the hock of recalcitrant cattle, then instinctively either flatten themselves to the ground or back out of the way to avoid the resulting kick from the animal. This is an ability unique to the ACD. This is what gives the breed it's nickname of "heeler." Did you know this "nipping" or "heeling" is, at least in part, attributable to the influence of the Dalmatian when the ACD was not yet a well-established breed?

Nearly every one of you has heard of Snoopy - that famous beagle who owns a young boy named Charlie Brown. Snoopy loves his dog house, his food bowl, and most of all - his adventures as the Red Baron. The history of the breed is shrouded in mist - but it may date back as far as before the Roman occupation of Britannia - what is now England.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the state dog of Maryland. It is a uniquely American breed, developed within the last 150-175 years. Dogs were selected for specific traits that some hunters found lacking in Labradors and other retrieving breeds. Chessies have a unique wavy coat that sheds water so well that a dog can retrieve a duck from a lake, come on shore, shake off - and be completely dry. The breed's love for water is legendary. In turn - the Chessie has had an influence on the development of another sporting/hunting breed - the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, lovingly called the Toller.

Purebred dogs have a place in this world. It doesn't matter if that dog came from a reputable breeder, a shelter, or a rescue group. It doesn't even matter if your purebred Chihuahua or Poodle came from a pet shop in the mall. What does matter is there is a place in the world for these dogs, and without them - we would be all the poorer for it.

I know Christmas is around the corner. I've spent the last week planning gifts and changing my mind and filling cyber shopping carts, waiting for my payday. I also had to wait until payday to make my own donation to NPDD. But I did it. I wanted to give more ... I would have gladly given my entire paycheck.

The minimum donation is only $1. For $5 - you get a sticker that says "I &heart; Purebred Dogs." And if you plaster that sticker to your forehead and send Susi a picture - I can guarantee she will publicly thank you. ;)

I know Christmas is coming. I know we are all thinking about our friends and relatives and parties and recipes and food and family ... Surely some of you can find $1 worth of thought for purebred dogs. That's all we ask. Any more is up to you.

Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 43

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images