MESSAGE FROM THE ARC PRESIDENT

Dear ARC Members ,

I just want to congratulate the MRC on a really nice 50th Anniversary show. It was one of their biggest entries in several years. The weather cooperated and it seemed like everyone had a great time.

At the MRC banquet, Dr. Watters spoke on the release this past Monday of the published results on the aging study as it relates to early spay/neuter as a factor in longevity. Not only does this study's findings hold implications for us as owners and breeders, but it will be a trememdously useful tool to fight mandatory spay/neuter ordinances. The ARC Legislative Committee is already using this study in opposition letters. Please read the findings, but to sum it up, spaying at ANY age decreases the life expectancy of bitches, and the earlier the spay, the greater this decrease seems to be (and it is NOT just due to the cancer risk as that was taken into consideration in the study). Amazing .....

On a more disappointing note, the ARC BOD voted to cancel the WDS Trial which had been scheduled for November 14 & 15 as there were only 2 entries.

Have a good week,

Jeff Shaver

Jeff Shaver
ARC President