Here's hoping that one day all good doggies will be in the fortunate position mine are in. That is to be eligible to be beaten by everybody 

x

Mel and the girlies

Hi Cathy,


Oops, who mentioned the "open" word - that a whole different can of worms 

Anyone who knows me understands the huge passion I have for the plight of the unwanted Siberian Husky and its right to be able to perform the task for which it has been bred.  Malcolm and I are now in our 11th season of being involved with the working side of the breed and in our 8th season of actually working dogs.  We have 9 registered sibes, all rescued through welfare and one husky/mal cross, also rescued independently.  The sibes all compete equally within the 2 breed clubs and the cross competes in the open class (usually with two of our huskies) with 1 racing association. We nearly always come last but it doesn't matter because we like to see the dogs enjoying themselves. 

The facilities provided by the various clubs and associations for running our dogs are fine and work perfectly for us but I would like to see unregistered welfare sibes (which have been verified by 2 cc judges) able to compete equally with the registered ones.  I am not interested in allowing unregistered sibes who have not come through welfare to compete at breed club rallies nor am I interested in either of the breed clubs having open classes.  I feel that most of the racing associations already provide adequate provision for the small minority wishing to pursue this route into the sport.  My only interest is the dogs which are unfortunate enough to end up in whichever welfare association. Through our experiences with welfare dogs I firmly believe that a lot of behavioural problems found in huskies are due to their inability to work.

The SSHC has taken the brave step forward in the plight of the unregistered dog but it's going to take a while we reach the ideal situation.  At this point I would like to thank the 2 cc judges who verified an unregistered welfare dog recently for me.  It gave me huge satisfaction knowing that this dog and his lovely owners can now enjoy the sport just like the rest of us.

Rant over 

Rachel x

LOL Mel 
Terry

Ok....I'm totally lost now..! However, if anybody could link me to any club or society that may allow unregistered/ non-welfare Sibes to race? I know she's way too young yet, but I'd like to have an incentive. 

Also, can somebody please tell me what a CC judge is? 

SDAS - Sled Dog Association of Scotland - www.sdas.org.uk

A CC judge, is a judge who is able to award Challenge Certificates, or is able to judge at a Championship show (as opposed to an Open or Exempt show) where CC's are awarded. If this bit is wrong, I am sure it will be corrected soon!!!

Hope this helps, but if not, ask again.

Cya
E
www.sleddog.info

I personally have no problem racing against Siberian Huskies from any lines - but I meant I can't comment on the reasons behind the original decision to exclude certain lines as I wasn't there.

So's Norfolk for some 

Just a thought, I know that there were some teams who had thought of attending the only Scottish rally this year, who were going to stay up here for the week then get in another rally, before heading back home, just a suggestion.....

Cya
E
www.sleddog.info

Just wanted to say what a nice well balanced polite debate this thread has become , it was very interesting reading and informative without turning into a massive argument. So often when this subject comes up things get heated and sometimes personal .
@Doppelganger - good luck and hope you get racing if that's what you decide you want to do.

Lindy

So Sharon, in your experience as a BSHRA organiser, does the Zero issue ever come up for debate or do all the organisers simply leave it as it is?

If no-one challenges it, then nothing will change

I've only attended one meeting so far, and obviously can't comment on what was discussed.
But if I have a request to raise the topic at the next meeting I would be happy to do so.

Indeed! But we have Basenjis at home who can't travel with us, and our dear friend who looks after them when we are away racing works nights, so spending Friday night away can't be done very often.

Myshka is now nearly a year old, and it's fairly obvious that she has a degree of alsation in her, judging by her headset and stance mainly. I still love her to pieces though.

As for Nanuq, no doubt at all......He's a very strong and great looking Sibe throughout..!

That's so lovely to hear - we all love our dogs no matter what their faults - and they love us no matter what our faults!!

Will we be seeing you and the dogs at any of the races up at this end of the country?