:: April 2008 ::
Being the President or figurehead of any club or organisation can be a two-sided coin. On the one hand, you get to represent a group of like-minded people working towards the same goals. On the other hand, sometimes democracy can really suck and differing opinions can make it difficult to be unbiased and objective. The important thing is to keep one's goals and belief system intact and never lose sight of the reason for the club's existence.
This club has wonderful members, dedicated to our big, gentle giants. We all feel strongly that our Great Danes deserve the best life they can have. We have a very hard working committee, especially Donna Carroll who has taken on the most difficult position of Secretary. Of special mention too is Shanna Antrim, our webmaster and designer. Although she has moved to Queensland, she still works tirelessly to update our web site and keep it looking as professional as it does.
:: Our beautiful friends, our Great Danes ::
::
Hildydane Zsacharias at the famous castle in Llubljana ::
But, as often happens, too few people do too much work and this can take a big toll on their family life, work etc. We have a constant stream of new members joining the club and this is heartening and positive. Is anyone out there prepared to become more involved? This doesn't mean you have to attend every meeting, or spend hours every day doing 'Dane stuff', but if you want to, hey, welcome aboard! I urge all members to think about becoming more involved, because at the end of the day, our Danes benefit from everyone's efforts. For example, Donna has also been compiling our club newsletters and we would welcome your Great Dane stories and anecdotes. If you can find articles on Great Dane health, cartoons, or maybe you are a cartoonist?? The list is endless in ways that you can contribute with minimum effort. Send us your photos of your gorgeous Great Danes, especially funny ones or cute ones. (Yes, they ARE cute, even if they're huge!).
I am taking a 'sabbatical' from club activities in order to recharge my batteries and find some balance between my friends, family and 'club stuff'. These have been compromised recently and I look forward to spending more time with my Danes too! I wish every member well and I am sure I will now also have more time to send material to Donna for our newsletter!
Marie Bowyer-Jennison
Club President
:: FEBRUARY 2008 ::
Hello everyone and a very Happy New Year to all!
I'm hoping this year will be this club's best one yet as we strive to continually promote responsible ownership of our wonderful breed. Rescue is still far too busy, which is very saddening.
I would like to address an issue which I think needs some clarification. Just because the Eastern & Coastal Region of NSW Great Dane Club is not affiliated to Dogs NSW does not mean that we are not an official club! We are registered with the Department of Fair Trading, are Incorporated, have our ABN number, etc. We are most definitely an OFFICIAL club! We have an approved Constitution and Code of Ethics to which we strictly adhere.
The only restriction we have by not being affiliated to Dogs NSW is that we cannot hold Championship shows with points being awarded towards making show dogs Australian Champions. However, our members are free to participate in any dog shows and most are members of Dogs NSW anyway.
Our principle aim has always been to promote responsible Great Dane ownership among ALL Dane owners regardless of where they got their Danes from. Considering that approximately 80% of all litters go to pet homes, this aim is obviously relevant to the vast majority of Great Dane owners. Our breed is not for everyone and has needs pertaining only to Danes. We willingly provide advice on nutrition, behavioural issues, social issues and advice on Companion Animals Act regulations within NSW.
:: Responsible Dane Ownership ::
:: Photograph by Mia Clapton - Thousand Hound Photography ::
Our Great Dane Rescue is the busiest in NSW, with networks extending to Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland, the 'peak seasons' being pre-Christmas and Easter. Having just waded through the recent Christmas dumping period we are bracing for Easter, but the joy on the faces of our successfully re homed Danes and their owners, is what makes rescue worthwhile.
Ours is a happy and productive club, with continuously increasing membership. We believe there is room for as many Great Dane Clubs as can successfully operate. After all, the winners can only be our gentle giants, our Great Danes.
Marie Bowyer-Jennison
Club President
Archived President's Reports
Would you like to know more about the Eastern & Coastal Region of NSW Great Dane Club History & Mission Statement?
E&CR of NSW Great Dane Club History
E&CR of NSW Great Dane Club Mission Statement
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