2018/2019 President's Report to the AGM
The past 12 months have been an exciting time for the Dominion Chihuahua Club. We ran one Championship Show in September 2018 judged by Lyndy Morris from Australia. Congratulations to Tracy Gannaway (Pearce) for her well deserved win with veteran dog Lily (NZ Ch. El-Toro Destiny), who gained her third Best in Specialty Show title. The club also ran two open shows through the year, in our ongoing effort to support up and coming New Zealand judges through their Open Show Panel. Thank you to all exhibitors who supported these shows.
In March 2018, the DCC began our weekly “Puppy Play Group”. Initially held at the CKA, we were later granted the use of the Kuri Dog Centre by our Patron Geoff Bowers, for which I would like to extend sincere thanks for his generous assistance to club, in addition to his ongoing sponsorship of the Open Show Ribbons. The Playgroup has seen a massive increase in club members this year, and has provided the Chihuahua Community in Christchurch with a safe socialisation experience for Chihuahuas and small breed dogs. The benefits of this weekly playgroup have been numerous, and I would like to thank all of our wonderful members who have supported this playgroup throughout the year.
The club also ran several Ribbon Parades and fun days as usual throughout the year. Once again, these events were generously supported by our pet members and I hope they were an enjoyable experience for dogs and handlers alike. The committee remains committed to providing a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for all chihuahua owners at these events, and it is encouraging to hear the lovely feedback from our pet members about these days.
A huge thank you must go to my dedicated and hardworking committee as always. I would like to make special mention of Casey Walters and Alex Coker, who have taken on the responsibility of running the Playgroup each week when Jenny and I have been away at dog shows. Their support has been unwavering and always given with enthusiasm and solidarity, and the success of the playgroup is in no small way attributed to their hard work. Thank you!
We have several members of committee, who after many years of assistance to the club, are taking a well earned break. Again I would like to thank the outgoing committee for all of their hard work. The success of the DCC is reflection of the dedication these individuals show to the club, and we could not do this without you.
I look forward to the new year for the Dominion Chihuahua Club, and continuing to build our presence in the Chihuahua Community, not just as a club for Conformation Shows, but for all disciplines under the Dogs NZ banner, and also as a place for pet owners to come and share their beautiful Chihuahuas with other like-minded people.
Dr Tracey Tonkin BVSc (Hons)
President
Dominion Chihuahua Club