President’s Message – Alan Kalter
I have always been impressed by how people in the fancy manage to come together to help a fellow club member. We see simple examples of it at every show – helping your “competitors” getting a dog ready to show; helping by showing someone else’s dog when they cannot; even helping get that perfect win photo of the dog that beat you. We have all given of ourselves like that, and we have all received help like that.
In our world of dogs, that willingness to help when it is needed goes much deeper than casual dog show assistance. Over the last two decades, two important initiatives were created to bring help when it is needed most.
Take the Lead provides direct services, support and care for people in the sport of purebred dogs who suffer the devastation of life-threatening or terminal illness. Many of you most likely know someone who has been helped in a way that made a lasting difference in their life.
The AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer program helps local emergency management provide animal care services immediately following a disaster so pets and their owners can shelter safely. The American Bullmastiff Association was an early supporter of this program through a partial sponsorship of two trailers – one in New Jersey and the other in Florida.
The ABA’s desire to help in troubled times isn’t limited to those good efforts. Of course, Virginia and everyone involved with ABARS work tirelessly to help dogs in need of a loving forever home. Those efforts have become a hallmark of the ABA’s good works. And now we are beginning another club-driven effort to bring help where, and when, it is needed.
Life circumstances can sometimes have a deleterious impact on owners and their dogs. In many cases, these are short-term incidents that could have long-term impact if left unassisted. The ABA recognizes the potential of risk to members at some time in their lives. Following the lead of the AKC, the ABA Board is in the process of formalizing a new ABA At Risk Committee. The committee identified the criteria for help that I believe is important to share:
The purpose of the ABA At Risk Committee is to assist members who are at risk of becoming unable to adequately care for their dogs. Any number of circumstances and/or life events can trigger a situation where a person becomes vulnerable. While the person may have the absolute best intentions of caring for their dogs adequately, sometimes situations arise where a person is simply not able to do so. When such situations arise, asking for help can be daunting, overwhelming, and shameful. It is easy to understand why some people never ask for help, given the negative stigma attached to such a request. We all want to provide stable and loving homes for our dogs. We generally put their needs above our own. They are valued and much-loved members of our families. To face the reality of not being able to fully and adequately provide for them is something that makes all of us cringe when thinking about. To acknowledge that life sometimes throws us curveballs; that terrible situations happen; that sometimes it’s several events compounded upon each other; and that when these things happen, it is overwhelming, and it is all too real for some of us. The ABA At Risk Committee is comprised of individuals who understand how hard it may be for a person to ask for help. We understand that sometimes a hand up is all that is needed to help a person over a particularly bad spot in their life. We understand that by offering a non-judgmental offer of help, given privately and without public sharing is something that we can do for our fellow Bullmastiff fanciers who may find themselves in a real crisis. We understand that by helping them, we are in fact, helping the dogs that we all care so deeply about. We understand that by offering that helping hand, we not only help the person, but we also are protecting our breed. Nobody wants to see on news reports the images of helpless dogs, living in sub-standard conditions, obviously being neglected. Nobody wants a person to fall into such despair that this happens both to them, and their dogs. For this reason, the members of this committee are dedicated to ensuring that when help is needed, it is offered. With love, kindness and respect.
Our thanks to the committee (Shanita Duke, Chair; Rebecca Galbreath; and Susan Goare-Smith) for their commitment in establishing this important service for ABA members. I am pleased to report the committee has already helped bring a difficult situation to a better place.
If you know of any member in need, please contact one of the At Risk committee members.
I think the ABA’s commitment to helping members in need is best summed up by Oprah:
“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”
Alan Kalter
ABA president
Treasurer’s Report – Kelli Feeney
Below are links to treasurer documents.
- Statement of Revenue & Expenses by Class (click here)
- YTD Statement of Assets, Liabilities, & Fund Balances (click here)
- YTD Statement of Revenue & Expenses (click here)
Recording Secretary Report – Cathe Crislip
American Bullmastiff Association
Board of Directors Zoom Teleconference
March 10, 2021 8:00 PM EST
Members Present: Alan Kalter, President; Melissa Bausman, 1st Vice President; Vickie Platt 2nd Vice President; Vicki Allenbrand, Corresponding Secretary; Cathe Crislip, Recording Secretary; Cathy Delgadillo, Director Place 3; Jewelz Lane, Director Place 1; Virginia Rowland, Director Place 5; Lisa Tremblay, Director Place 2. Absent: Kelli Feeney, Dianne McFarlane
Meeting called to order at 8:03 PM by President Alan Kalter.
Minutes from the January 2021 meeting were approved as published in the February 2021 ABA Newsletter.
Report of the President:
No Report.
Report of the Corresponding Secretary:
- Sent all approvals to member clubs for show requests
- Sent AKC signed paperwork for the logo licensing agreement – Received fully executed license agreement from AKC
- Received notice from California Bullmastiff Fanciers that their Specialty has been cancelled due to the site cancelling all events. They are seeking another site option.
- CBF asked for approval for new date and site of their show on 3/1/21. Notified club on 3/2, the Board approved the change.
- Received email from AKC regarding Grays Lake breed seminar opportunities. Passed it along to Judge’s Education committee to participate.
- Received request to update photos on the AKC bullmastiff page, added to agenda
Report of the Treasurer:
Kelli Feeney’s reports were distributed by email.
Report of the Committees:
2020 National Specialty– Lisa Tremblay reported that the financials have been completed by Kelli Feeney and everything is in order and positive. They are waiting for additional incoming monies before the finals can be reported.
2021 National Specialty– Lisa Tremblay reported that she has secured the videographer and Miguel is on board as photographer. The Agility will be held on site so it will be convenient for spectators.
2022 National Specialty– Vickie Platt reported that they are looking at Rau or Onofrio as Superintendents.
2023 National Specialty– Show Chairman Vicki Allenbrand reported that Dianne McFarlane is doing a great job organizing Agility. Motion to approve Craig Josling to Judge 2023 Agility in Topeka, KS by Lisa Tremblay, second Cathy Delgadillo. Motion passes.
2024 National Specialty-No report.
Unfinished Business:
2020 FL National Lawsuit– Cathe Crislip reported that we have not yet received an additional settlement. Discussion.
ABA Semi Annual Meeting-The ABA Semi Annual Meeting will be held on Friday March 26, 2021at 6:00 PM in Ft Worth TX at LaQuinta Inn and Suites. Discussion.
ABA ABARS Lawsuit-Virginia Rowland reported that things have been delayed due to COVID. Discussion.
National Awards Rules-Alan Kalter reported that he is getting help from AKC regarding National Award Rules. Discussion.
New Business-
- At Risk Committee- Discussion. Tabled.
- The Great Lakes Bullmastiff Association requests permission to hold a specialty and sweepstakes in conjunction with the Beaver County Kennel Club show in Canfield, OH on 8/7/21. Motion to approve by Vicki Allenbrand, second Cathe Crislip. Motion passes.
- ABA BOD liaisons for all ABA committees- Discussion.
- TT Title Approval from ABA Working Dog Committee- Motion to approve Vicki Allenbrand, second Melissa Bausman. Motion passes.
- Litter Listings for members- Discussion. Pam Henson will coordinate.
- Bred by Exhibitor Award from AKC- Motion to give AKC BBE Award at 2021 National Specialty by Vicki Allenbrand, second Jewelz Lane. Motion passes.
- ABA Members Only Facebook Page- Discussion. Camille Barrineau will coordinate.
- AKC Breed Profile Page- Photos are needed from Judges Education. Discussion.
- Breeder Mentor- Discussion. There will be a list of breeder mentors on the website. Jewelz Lane volunteered to be the BOD liaison with ABA Breeders Ed Committee.
- Gold ROM Plaques- The ROM Committee is asking BOD to approve $1150.00 for gold medallion status plaques, Motion to approve, Vicki Allenbrand, second Cathy Delgadillo. Motion passes
The next ABA BOD meeting will be on May 12, 2021 at 8:00 PM via Zoom Conference.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cathe Crislip, Recording Secretary
Motions by Email:
- Motion to approve 2021 ABA National Superintendent Rau contract by Vickie Platt, second Lisa Tremblay. Motion passes.
- Motion to support the following candidates in the AKC Election: Dominic Carota, Dr. Gregory Pavenza, Patricia Cruz and Dr. Tom Davies by Cathe Crislip, second Melissa Bausman. Motion passes.
- Motion to approve CBF Specialty date change from 5/27/21 to 5/8/21in Llano, CA by Vicki Allenbrand, second Lisa Tremblay. Motion passes.
- Motion to approve the revised 2021 National Specialty Superintendents contract by Lisa Tremblay, second Jewelz Lane. Motion passes.
- Motion to approve MBMF Specialty with Sweepstakes of 6/12/21 in Grayslake, IL by Vicki Allenbrand, Second Lisa Tremblay. Motion passes.
- Motion to approve the Nominating Committee Slate as written by Melissa Bausman, second Cathe Crislip. Motion passes.
- NW- Sandra Statter
- W – Pam Henson
- MW Vickie Platt
- SW – Renee Aldrich
- NE – Robin Dowding Chairman
- E – Becky Martin
- SE -Kara Gonzalez
- Alternates: Carrie Lane, Jamie Palacek
- Motion to approve $700.00 from H & R account to create t-shirts for H & R fundraiser by Jewelz Lane, Second Melissa Bausman. Motion passes.
Corresponding Secretary Report – Vicki Allenbrand Correspond
Thank you to all those who attended our ABA Semi-Annual meeting in Fort Worth, TX and especially those who supported the Southwest Bullmastiff Club show, banquet and auction. SWBC are always fantastic hosts when it comes to putting on a show and hospitality! Without our Regional Clubs supporting the ABA we would not have all the additional specialties we are so fortunate to have. Thank you to SWBC and your membership!
We did not have a quorum for our Semi-Annual meeting. We were able to complete the important task of electing a Nominating Committee. They will be charged with filling the Board of Director positions that come open on November 1, 2021. The Committee consists of Robin Dowding as Chairperson, Vickie Platt, Renee Aldrich, Pam Henson, Sandra Statter, Kara Gonzalez and Becky Martin. Alternates are Carrie Lane and Jamie Palecek. Thank you to all of you willing to serve on this committee.
There are a lot of Specialties coming up over the summer. Be sure to attend those that you are able and support the local clubs. Hoping to see you all somewhere soon.
Vicki Allenbrand
ABA Corresponding Secretary
***Check out the Regional Specialty’s Section for several upcoming shows***
Website Committee Update
I’m busy working with the developer on the website. It’s a beast of a project, but things are going well. I will continue to reach out to some committees to address content gaps. If anyone is interested in being part of the website committee please let me know. You don’t have to have web building skills. One of the biggest needs is for someone to coordinate with committees and regional clubs to fill content to keep the site up to date.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charlotte Roberts
Judge’s Education Report – Mary B Walsh
I am pleased to report that the ABA will be joining the seminars at the Mt. Rainier shows in August and the Grayslake shows in June . Barbara Brooks Worrell will present for the Washington shows and Denise Borton will conduct the seminar for the Grayslake shows.
The committee is also working on photos for the Meet The Breed presentation as well as the AKC Breed information site.
MBWalsh
JEC Chair
Health & Research Report – Rebecca Fulton
The Health and Research committee is actively working on a brochure about Bullmastiff health issues to be available at Meet the Breed or public events. These brochures will be available for regional clubs who participate in such events.
The committee is developing ways to increase the AKC CHF donor advised fund to continue to be able to donate to research studies. This fund is the ONLY way to donate to Bullmastiff specific funds. There are been no monetary donations to this fund in over a year.
We are happy to report that there will be a health clinic at the 2021 National. Currently we have a cardiologist lined up and are waiting to hear back from an ophthalmologist. Please let us know if you have other requests for health clinics.
Rebecca Fulton
H and R chair
Call for Obedience, Agility and Rally Scores – Jennifer Elvig
Now is the time for you to get your obedience, agility and rally scores into me. Agility forms are located on the ABA awards page.
For top dogs for 2020. All 3 of your top qualifying scores must be earned in the year of 2020 (January 1 to December 31st).
You may e-mail your scores to me at elvig1018@me.com no later than July 30, 2021.
Thanks,
Jennifer Elvig
Futurity Report – Valerie Vesseyfuturity
Futurity Report as of April 12, 2021
The 2021 Futurity nominations closed as of February 28th and only three more litters still need to complete their final nominations. While I can’t reveal the number of puppies nominated all the way thru, I can share that there were 24 litters that have been nominated, which is only two shy of our outstanding numbers in 2019!! There are going to be A LOT of puppies and this year’s Futurity is going to be awesome!! The total as of April 12th, 2021 is $2,700.00!
The 2022 Futurity nominations have begun as of March 1st and as of April 12th, 2021 the total is $100.00.
Thank you to ALL breeders who continue to join in and nominate their litters!!
Please make Futurity a priority in your breeding planning!
All Futurity Nomination Forms are available on the ABA Website (click here). Upon completion and submission, a copy will be sent to me. If anyone needs a hard copy of any form, please contact me via the website (click here) or email.
Please contact me with any questions at v_vessey@yahoo.com.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Vessey
Top 25 Report – Vicki Allenbrand
We are closing in on our deadline of May 31, 2021 to qualify for the prestigious Top 25 Event to be held at the National Specialty. The Event will happen Thursday evening, September 23, 2021 at the host hotel in the ballroom.
If you have not had the opportunity to attend a Top 25 Event, it is something you don’t want to miss! The dogs that are the top 25 in breed points from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021 compete individually against our AKC bullmastiff standard. There are three judges who have score sheets to judge each dog separately. The judges consist of a bullmastiff breeder, a handler and an all-breed judge. They score each dog and the dog with the highest combined score wins the Top 25 Event. The winner is announced in a semi-formal event the evening of the 23rd during an exciting performance filled with music, food, drinks, friends and our top dogs.
The current top 30 dogs are on each report from AKC that is shared. We pull 30 dogs so those dogs that are close to qualifying know how close they are to qualifying prior to the deadline. Only the top 25 dogs will actually compete. The qualifying dogs through March 31, 2021 are attached here.
Click here for excel format
Click here for pdf format
If you have any questions regarding the event, feel free to email me at blackjackdogs@earthlinknet.
Vicki Allenbrand
Top 25 Event Chairperson
ABA Archives Report – Chris Rasmussen, Jen Sorrell, Lindy WhyteArchives
Spring has sprung! The very good news is that the ABA Website Committee has continued to work on mounting the Marilyn Cather Digitization Project of ABA Bulletins and of the Bullseyes and Pedigree Pictorials published by Carol Beans. It is a great deal of material and the goal is to make it accessible and searchable to all ABA members, so the search for the best software continues. We thank our ABA Website Committee for their time and talent and for their continuing efforts to make the final phase of this wonderful digitization project happen. Based on the software they identify and implement we are considering the ABA Archives Committee’s next digitization initiatives. Thanks to all who have donated to the ABA Archives and who support our efforts. We love to hear from you!
AKC Gazette Bullmastiff Breed Columnist Report – Lindy WhyteGazette
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to comment on the Bullmastiff Breed Columns in the AKC Gazette. I am very grateful to everyone who has served as a guest columnist over the last few years and am always looking for new contributors. Please contact me if you have an interest in serving as a guest columnist in the future or have any thoughts on columns that might be of interest to the fancy. All of us have valuable ideas to share. I know everyone will be enjoying the April column, which is filled with inspiring plans by ABA President, Alan Kalter. Next, look for July’s, which will be a personal reminiscence by ABA member, Connie Urbanski. Thanks to both for their willingness to contribute to the AKC Gazette Bullmastiff Breed Column.
2021 ABA National Specialty UpdateNat2021
September 20 – 25, 2021
DON’T FORGET – Time is going fast:
Trophy sponsorships to Charlotte Roberts
Art auction items to Antoinette Donovan
Catalog ads to Pam Henson
Raffle baskets to Janet Ekstrom
HOTEL INFORMATION:
CROWN PLAZA RESORT
1 Resort Dr., Asheville NC 28806
Call their toll-free number 1-844-330-0296 (24/7) and mention the group name American Bullmastiff National Specialty in order to receive the special group rate.
For In-House reservations attendees can call our local number during normal business hours 828-285-2603 and mention the group name.
Website: www.ashevillecp.com
Check Availability (enter dates of stay)
Enter Group Code: BUL
BOOK YOUR ROOMS (show dates are 9/20/2021-9/25/2021)
LAST DAY to book is 8/20/2021 at midnight. Please make sure to contact them as early as possible, but no later than 8/20/2021 to receive the special group rate.
**Also available are:
Excutive Kings , Villas, Studios, 1 Bedroom, as well as 2 Bedroom Room. (Must call Hotel # 828-285-2603)
Click Here for the reservation form.
Deadline for submission August 22, 2021!
Show chair
Lisa Tremblay (hurricanebullmastiffs@yahoo.com)
Co-chairs
Karen and Jerry Cole (elocdogs@aol.com)
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE – Updated
Monday- September 20th
Morning- Agility on site. Judge TBA
Afternoon- SSBC INDEPENDENT
Sweepstakes – Judge: Jamie Clute
Regular Classes – Judge: Judith Ann Smith
Tuesday- September 21st
Morning – Obedience / Rally – Judge TBA
Afternoon- ABA INDEPENDENT
Sweepstakes – Judge: Katie Martin
Regular Classes- Judge: Mr John Reeve-Newson
Wednesday- September 22nd
Puppy & Veteran Sweepstakes – Judge: Connie Urbanski
Triathlon- Judge: TBA
H&R Seminar
Breeders Education Seminar
Welcome Party
Thursday- September 23rd
Judges Education
Futurity – Judge: Robin Dowding
National – Judge: Ms. Kimberly Anne Meredith
Class Dogs & Veteran Dogs
Top 25
Friday- September 24th
National – Judge: Ms. Kimberly Anne Meredith
4-6 Month Puppy
Class Bitches & Veteran Bitches
ABA Annual Meeting
Parade of Rescue, Veterans & Title Holders
Silent Auction, Art Auction & Dinner
Saturday- September 25th
Farewell Party
Committee’s – UPDATED
Parade of Titleholders/Veterans
Valerie Vessey- v_vessey@yahoo.com
Parade of Rescue dogs
Melissa Bausman and Camille Concannon Barrineau
linmor2@aol.com, concannonc@gmail.com
Breeders Education
Lynn Spohr and Helene Nietsch
Judges Education
MaryBarbara Walsh
marybwalsh@aol.com
Top 25
Vicki Allenbrand
blackjackdogs@earthlink.net
Trophies
Charlotte Roberts
Charlotte.Roberts@jacobs.com
Art auction
Antoinette Donovan
jeff@guardianangelbullmastiffs.com
Raffle baskets
Janet Ekstrom
deks628@yahoo.com
Vendor Chairs
Karen and Jerry Cole
elocdogs@aol.com
Catalog ads
Pam Henson
2021nationalad@gmail.com
Hospitality bags
Bill Ofshlag and Jane Westervelt
Jabkennels@hotmail.com
Agility Chair
Jen Young
jenyoung78@yahoo.com
Obedience/Rally Chair
Jennifer Wolfgang
jenwolfgang@hotmail.com
Triathlon
Jen Young and Jennifer Wolfgang
jenyoung78@yahoo.com
jenwolfgang@hotmail.com
T-shirt order link
abanational.com
RV Reservations
Tina Thompson
tthompson@follysbullmastiffs.com
Reservation forms
Lisa Tremblay
aba2021national@gmail.com
Click Here for the reservation form.
Deadline for submission August 22, 2021!
If you are paying via PayPal or mail then email the form to Lisa.
Payments:
PayPal aba2021national@gmail.com
Mailing address
14271 Powell rd.
Spring Hill, Florida 34609
Checks Payable to: 2021 ABA National
Lisa Tremblay
ABA National show chair
352-238-1162
2021 ABA National Trophy FundTrophies
Please consider a donation to the 2021 National Trophy fund. The classes that are available are listed and filled in first come/first serve order. If a class has filled you will be contacted for another selection. To reserve your sponsorship or if you have questions please contact Charlotte Roberts (Charlotte@Lion-S.space or 713-408-2677)
***Include sponsor name and how you would want it to appear in the premium!***
Click Here to view list (in excel format)
Please make payment via PayPal friends and family: aba2021national@gmail.com
Make checks payable to: ABA 2021 National
Checks can be mailed to:
Charlotte Roberts
2806 Shady Creek Dr
Pearland, TX 77581
Member Litter Listing – Pam Hensonlitter
The ABA receives multiple requests from individuals and families looking for a bullmastiff puppy throughout the year. We are now offering to create a litter listing for all ABA members to help these families find a puppy from an ABA breeder. If you have an upcoming or current litter and would like some of these potential puppy families to have your contact information please send the following information to Pam Henson at ilvdogshows11@aol.com
Your name, email and phone number
Location
Expected due date
Number of available puppies
If you have any questions, please contact Pam Henson.
Applications for Membership –
Tim Brubakerapplications
If you have any comments regarding any applicant, please direct them to the ABA Board of Directors via the Corresponding Secretary. All comments must be received within 21 days of publication of the Newsletter in which the applicant’s name appears. Anonymous communications will not be considered.
Jessica Back
2949 Hollamburg-Arcanum Rd.
New Madison, OH 45436
937-459-9123
sureshotbulldogs@aol.com
Kennel Name: Sureshot
Owns 1 bullmastiff
Sponsored by Jennifer Wolfgang and Lisa Tremblay
Lynn and Amanda Barrett
1514 S. 49th St.
Temple, TX 76504
210-391-4998
lynn.barrett@gmail.com
ajbarrett1029@gmail.com
Owns 1 bullmastiff and co-owns 1 bullmastiff
Sponsored by Sherry Boldt and Cathe Crislip
Linda Heichlinger
1305 1st Ave.
Sacto, CA 95818
kjheichlinger@gmail.com
owns 8 bullmastiffs and co-owns 1 bullmastiff
Sponsored by Debra Rains and Kimberly Stefanik
Mary Hannigan
17 South St.
Dennis Port, MA 02639
860-946-9538
bulhaven@aol.com
Kennel Name: Bulhaven Bullmastiffs
Website: www.bulhaven.com
Owns 6 bullmastiffs
Sponsored by Cheryl and Charles Kistler
James Douglas
4481 Brooks Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44105
216-970-6114
jedouglas42@gmai.com
Owns 1 bullmastiff
Sponsored by Terry Blount and Valerie Portraz
New Membersnewmembers
Noel Evans Gary
194 Eastman Ln.
Auburn, ME 04210
207-689-5467
noevans2@yahoo.com
Gary and Donna Lane
9161 W. County Road 550 S.
Daleville, IN 47334
317-652-3319
dlane_2014@att.net
Jennifer Pacanowski
1453 Locksley Dr.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
570-269-7528
jennywarrior2277@gmail.com
Tracey Logan
4028 NW 17th Pl.
Gainsville, FL 32605
804-514-3445
tracey.logan@ufl.edu
Tina Davison
100 Mount Pilot Ct.
Warner Robbins, GA 31088
770-630-6684
tinathedogtrainer@gmail.com
Kennel Name: Cardea
Neil and Christy Smith Heskel
11300 S. Indian River Dr.
Sebastian, FL 32958
772-918-8253
neilheskel@gmail.com
Kristina Ellis
5182 Route 353
Little Valley, NY 14755
716-949-1821
Maniacgirl1@aol.com
Nicole Hadley Pavie
40 Woodlake Dr.
Holland, PA 18966
215-932-5757
ohbehavedt@yahoo.com
