2017 SSDCA Advisory Board Nominees:
The following people have been nominated to run for positions on the SSDCA's Advisory Board.
Their letters are listed in the order that they were received.
Kim Burck
Hi! Thank you for nominating me! My name is Kim Burck.
I am a licensed Shiloh Shepherd breeder. We are The Ladies of Lorn. I am also the vice president of NESSA.
I live in Orchard Park NY, where my husband, myself and 3 of the 7 Shilohs we have loved run a boarding, daycare , grooming and training kennel.
Since 2011, when we got our first Shiloh , I realized there was a group of people who loved these dogs as I do mine.
I have been involved thru the years in many ways. Learning to do LERS, making it more possible to place the right pup with the right home. Coordinating holter monitoring , very close to my heart , as we lost our Ivy, to GSDIVA. Making sure the word is out, test every pup, breed or pet.
I also enjoy getting our dogs "out there". Helping with walks, shows, fairs, and just talking. We have to continue to get more members. So keep it fun! By educating people about our special breed, and what an honor it is to have an Original Shiloh Shepherd.
How important it is to have and uphold the rules and regulations.
3 years to help with this would be an honor.
But I'll still be loving and promoting our Shilohs regardless!
Thank You,
Kim Burck
The Ladies of Lorn
Sheila Masse
To the members of the SSDCA,
I consider it an honor and a privilege to be put in the nominee position. I am currently serving on the board as I was asked to fill in when a former member was unable to complete their term.
My name is Sheila Masse and I live in North Scituate RI. When I got my first Shiloh back in 2000 I was hooked on the breed immediately. I have had dogs all my adult life but it was different for me with my first Shiloh and being interested in involvement with carrying this breed into the future. When my first Shiloh, a smoothie named Star, arrived , something was different for me with this breed. and I immediately started to seek out how to become involved. While she was a pup I started doing Meet & Greets, thus the SSONE Chapter evolved and continues to this day under my leadership. Of course I understood the goals of the chapter was to educate the public of the birth of this breed, hence I have been doing the Pet Expos and continue to do so. I started the expos with just myself & Star. We now do Ct, and were doing Providence which also led to the Kid's Fair in Ct. I feel we have been successful with this endeavor as we have had shilohs placed though instilling interest from the expos. Now I have lots of help from SSONE Members, couple of which are breeders in training and also a licensed breeder, so I would say my chapter is attaining our goals..
I feel the Club is important because working together we can really show and instill interest in fulfilling Tina's dream, the reason why we all became such advocates of the true ISSR Shiloh Shepherd. Through the years since my girl, Star, who was dx'd at 9 months with EPI I have helped out many of our members who found themselves at a loss when they were faced with the same problem and was able to insure them that their shiloh would live a long quality life with EPI-I had Star 13 yrs. Through this girl I also did my research on Raw Feeding and since then have been able to mentor many members on raw feeding. A year after Star I got Kiora , a dual plush after I bred Kiora I kept a pup and named her Joy. With Star I developed of love of going into the show ring, Star was pointed and Kiora seemed not to enjoy showing, then came Joy's turn with her sister Hope, I titled both of these littermates, also achieving National Select and also GV. Now I have Abracadabra, who also has finished her CH and working on her GV.
Through the years I have participated with the LER process . Issues that I find are important is the health of our breed, and also to be able to encourage other members to follow through with the health testing of their pups. I am more then willing to work with other board members and do not foresee any problem with fulfilling my term . I am always available to SSDCA members, as many of you know, to answer any questions that may arise and to give guidance from my own knowledge and experience. I am currently retired from being the artistic director and teacher of a dance studio for 45 years, where I taught preschool through senior aged students and also special needs. I did performances and charity events and I would say that this developed my skills to organize and lead..
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sheila Masse
Debbie Knatz
I've been involved with the Shiloh world since shortly after the fire that destroyed Tina's kennel in January 2000. I heard all the talk about it being the end of the breed and that they could never recover. I heard the same rumblings and rumors after various people splintered and slivered off over the years. I heard it again after Tina passed away and again after the most recent group's failed coup attempt to wrestle control from Lisa. Each time the SSDCA and ISSR have remained strong and worked to fulfill Tina's dream for the original and only Shiloh Shepherd.
I am currently on the Breed Proposal Committee, a Temperament Tester, Licensed Breeder and the caretaker of this SSDCA website. After discussions between the board and breeders we've come up with a 4-phase plan that I'm in the process of developing on our website.
Through the years I've been an Advisory Board member three times - both to fill vacancies and also when elected. I helped found the Shiloh Rescue Network with Lisa, worked with Tina on the STM program, worked on the Genetic Task Force, have done Litter Evaluations and Temperament Tests, and ran classes at Homecoming to train and certify new Temperament Testers. I have stepped up every time Tina or Lisa have asked for my help and will continue to do so whenever I'm needed.
I've been owned by truly amazing Shilohs since 2001, Hunter and Tucker (who is 9 years old and still with me) and many others who have passed through my home as long and short term fosters, trainees or rehomes through the Shiloh Rescue. I don't think my home will ever be without a Shiloh or two.
Outside of Shilohs, the rest of my life pretty much revolves around dogs and training. I was recently promoted to my dream job as the Puppy Program Manager at Canine Companions for Independence Northeast Region which is the world's oldest and largest assistance dog organization. I'm also an AKC certified Canine Good Citizen tester and a successful dog trainer. I was also a Puppy Advisor at the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, a therapy dog trainer, veterinary assistant and dog trainer. My "day jobs" have included high tech industry as well: I worked my way up from an entry level position to production supervisor, quality coordinator and engineer in a semiconductor fabrication facility.
I feel that the most important thing for the SSDCA right now is preserving the history and lessons that Tina gave us, and working for the future of the Shiloh Shepherd breed. We need to continue to mentor new LBIT's (Licensed Breeders in Training) and bring them through the ranks to become the Licensed Breeders of the future.
Expanding our website archives, and finding a replacement for the Forums is also critical. We need to have a secure place where we can gather, store and share information, as well as communicate and educate the general public, our members and our breeders. With these strong foundations we can continue to work together to expand our breeding program, research, and improve the health and genetics of our dogs for future generations.
I'll continue to do my best whether I'm on the Advisory Board or not. We've got a terrific group of nominees here and I'm proud to be considered among them.
Thanks,
-Debbie Knatz
Shepherd's Ridge
Paula Terranova
I want to start out by thanking the SSDCA for allowing me the opportunity to run for a position on the Advisory Board. It is an honor and a privilege to be involved with this breed.
My interest in Shiloh Shepherds started about 20 years ago when my Uncle Steve got one. I was smitten and proceeded to learn all I could. I ended up at New Zion to purchase my first Shiloh. This took place at Tina’s before the fire, and during a blizzard. I was looking purely for a family companion and boy did I get that in spades. Max was such a wonderful dog, a great addition to our family. He lived to 10 years and developed DM. When we lost him I swore never, ever would I get another Shiloh. His loss was too painful and I never wanted to feel that way again. I stuck to my guns and had several other breeds after him. I still have my two fourteen year old cock-a-poos from back then. But I missed my Max and decided I needed another Shiloh in our family. So back to New Zion I go. I am on the Hope/ Quest litter. I saw them multiple times after all, what is a six hour drive each way when I get to see puppies. I offered to help Lisa take pictures of her dogs on one of those trips and ended up adopting Leah. Loved her to pieces, such an awesome dog. I went back to get my puppy a few weeks later and came home with Marco. Again not looking for show/breeding I wanted a pet. Evidently Lisa had other plans for me. I showed up at Homecoming and Lisa basically forced me to show Marco, he won and we were hooked. So a few health tests down the road we now have a stud/show dog. A pretty good one I think! Somehow, still not sure how it happened, I agreed to whelp a litter. We lost the entire litter and I wanted to quit but did not. Since then I have whelped several litters and love doing it. My problem is letting them go. Which is how I ended up with Fiona my Nora /Z girl. Granddaughter to my Leah! I have accumulated Greta, Ariana and Rosie. Rosie is Marco’s daughter. Again I whelped Rosie and ended up keeping her. So my current count is 5 Shilohs. I came very close to keeping one from the Rumor /Marco litter. Lisa did not see me running after her car, as she was driving away with the puppies. I give new meaning to the saying you can’t have just one.
I believe in this breed and want to see it grow and prosper. I know we have challenges to face but I think we can conquer them if we work hard and persevere. I think it is important to address health issues within our breed. We are working hard to eliminate GSDIVA. I think we are on the right path by trying to get all our pups holtered between 6-8 months. Doing hip x-rays to address hip dysplasia. The DM testing that is available now has been a blessing. Those of us that have suffered through the loss of a dog by this disease can attest to that. I believe that keeping track of our health issues is imperative. I am a strong proponent of our ongoing health survey. I initiated the idea of a puppy data base for health and behavioral information which will be started soon. This will help us track issues in our bloodlines and pairings I hope.
Another issue I think Shilohs, as a breed, face is lack of breed recognition. If no one knows about our dogs then no one will buy them. And if there is no market the breed will die. I believe we need to do a better job of advertising our wonderful dogs. We do run an ad every year in a dog magazine but that is not enough. We all need to get out with our dogs and show them off. I bring trifolds and business cards when I am out with my dogs. That alone won’t do it, we need to attend things like charity walks, public events, anything that will expose our dogs to the public eye. I know some of us do this already and a big thank you to them.This is an area we need to address right away. I think we need more though. I hope there is someone in our great organization that has media connections and can step up. Anyone?
Another concern for me is our small breeding pool. Those of us that breed need to be aware of dogs that have not been heavily bred and see if we can use them. We may need to use dogs from across the country and all that entails. Frozen semen, shipping and AI. Whatever it takes to increase our diversity. The need for an outcross is becoming a reality. These are pressing issues. We need to encourage people to become breeders and offer them the needed support to be successful. I know it is a daunting thought but the rewards are wonderful. There is so much joy in seeing a puppy that you whelped go on to a wonderful life. I keep in touch with the people owned by my pups. I get pictures, emails, stories and invitations to visit. It is so exciting to see the joy they bring. I actually have it in my contract I expect regular updates. There is heartache too but the balance is in the plus column for sure.
Another area I think we need to address is getting larger amounts of people involved with the breed. There are the people that breed and show and stay involved that way. We have a lot of people out there that don’t either breed or show. I think we need to encourage all people owned by a Shiloh to get involved. Having a Shiloh walk, or fun day, or picnic in each Chapter throughout the year. Getting people to show their dogs, even if you don’t expect to win, is a great experience for the person and dog. And you never know what will happen.
My involvement with this breed has been over a twenty year period. First as a dog owner solely. It is really over the last six years or so that I became very involved in a more formal way. I have been a member of the SSDCA since 2011 and spent four years as an LBIT. I am now a licensed breeder and owner of Terra Shilohs Kennel. I attend the on line membership meetings as well as the on line LBIT/LB meetings. I have reached out to many in our wonderful community and offered assistance and answered questions. I have attended Homecoming since 2011 and have helped there as I can. I am a member and Secretary of the Nessa Chapter. I recently helped with the Memorial Day Show in Yorktown, NY and will be part of the organization for our fall show in the same area. I am the membership coordinator for the SSDCA.
I have made so many close friends over the years through this organization. I feel I am a better person for knowing the members of this group. I have learned so much and have gained so much from so many. I wish everyone could have a group like this behind them. I want to see us grow as a group and increase the joy these dogs bring to others. When I look at my phone contacts, email list and facebook friends the vast majority are my Shiloh peeps. My involvement with this group has been life changing.
I hope you will vote for me for this position. I promise if elected to bring all my passion for the breed, all of my vision and energy to the task. I will fulfill my duties for the entire three year term. If I am not elected that is OK as all the people running for the board are talented and wonderful people. I know all the members that are running would be wonderful on the board.
Pauline Keith
Hello fellow SSDCA members,
My name is Pauline Keith and I reside with my family, two Shiloh’s and a GSD in southern Maine.
I have always been a hopeless animal lover. Over the years I have shared my life with gerbils, turtles, hamsters, cats, dogs, bunnies, chickens, horses, goats and even a few squirrels that we rescued. One of the dogs I had the privilege of owning was a German Shepherd named “Shadow”. I rescued her from the town pound back in the early 80’s and she turned out to be a wonderful companion. I had her for about 10 years, and she was perfect. After Shadow, we took in a mixed breed, who was also a great dog, but I always had a soft spot for German Shepherds. When my youngest daughter wanted a dog for her 16th birthday, we found a breeder of GSD’s and bought our Lexi, who is now 8.
One year when we were staying at a campground in Virginia, I met a family who had a large shepherd, and I of course had to introduce myself and meet their dog. He was truly a gentle giant and they explained to me that he was a Shiloh Shepherd. I was very impressed, but unfortunately soon thereafter, I forgot the name of the breed, but not the dog. Years later when my husband asked me what I wanted for my 50th birthday, I came across the name of Tina Barber and her Shiloh Shepherds on the internet and then I knew this was the breed I had met in VA, and this was what I wanted for my present. So, after contacting Lisa, I became the proud owner of my first Shiloh Shepherd, Rio, in 2012! That’s all it took, I was hooked, and I joined the forums and became a member of the SSDCA and our regional chapter SSONE.
I have since been committed to spreading the word about our wonderful Shilohs. I have attended many, if not all of the SSONE events in the past five years. Kids fairs, Pet Expos and club get togethers. Since acquiring my second Shiloh, Kai, in 2015 and then losing him at 5 months old to GSDIVA, I have a renewed interested in the health of our breed & the importance of Holtering all of our puppies. I have spent time researching geneticsand have taken the ICB course on Genetics and Breeding for the future. I am also very interested in canine nutrition, and have recently taken a comprehensive nutrition course by Dr. Jean Dodds and Diana Laverdure-Dunetz to learn more.
Last year, Taj joined our Shiloh family as a breed quality hopeful. I am now in the process of upgrading his registration to Breed Quality. With Taj, I have continued to attend and participate in the Shiloh Specialty Shows at Homecoming that I began with Kai, in order to promote him and achieve his championship status. To date Taj has completed his Jr. Championship, passed his CGC and has spent some time doing nose work, which he loves.
More recently, I was tasked with coordinating our Shiloh Calendar Contest and becoming the Show Coordinator for the club. Both have been a learning experience for me, and if I can help the Club in this way, then I am happy to do it.
I wish to see our Shiloh breed survive and move into the future healthier and stronger. I am passionate about our breeding program and feel we need to add an outcross in the very near future. I am a strong proponent of holtering all of our puppies so we can map the trends of GSDIVA affectedness and see it eventually eradicated from our breed. I would like to see if we can find ways to make our events enticing to new puppy owners in order to get more participation. I would like to work to explore ways to do more fundraising so that the Club has a healthy bank account to work with.
Thank you for considering me for a three-year term as an SSDCA board member. If elected, I promise to do my part to aid in the process of promoting and enabling our Shiloh Shepherd dogs to continue to improve and prosper in the future.
April Amoros
Dear SSDCA Members,
Thank you for nominating me to run for a position on the Board. I have been involved with Shiloh Shepherds since 1999, and a club member since 2007, and I am excited at the opportunity to assist the club in a greater capacity. For those who may not know me, yet, I'll start with some background on how I first came to know Shiloh Shepherds, and the SSDCA.
In 1999, I was in college and had my 2 GSDs with me. Even though I was far from ready to bring another dog into my life, I started searching and dreaming of what I wanted in my next dog and where I would find it. A Google search introduced me to two breeds that I had not previously heard of, the Shiloh Shepherd and the King Shepherd. At first, I was not clear how they were different, so I emailed a breeder from each breed. It just so happened that the Shiloh Shepherd breeder that I contacted was Tina Barber. She answered my questions with much more detail than the other breeder did, and she invited me to join an online forum to learn more. There, I was welcomed by other Shiloh breeders and enthusiasts, and was invited to my first Homecoming. It was there that I was first introduced to the SSDCA, and it was there that I became hooked on the Shiloh Shepherd breed.
This group has become like an extended family. Even before I had a Shiloh of my own, I felt a kinship. With each Homecoming I would learn more, both in seminars, and just talking to other Shiloh owners. This wasn't just another breed fan club. There is so much to learn, and so much to experience.
The dogs I met at the Homecomings I attended, year after year, never ceased to amaze me with their beauty, intelligence, and kind nature. I always took the opportunity to help in any way that I could, to learn as much as I could. This included anything from, but not limited to, holding dogs, showing dogs, or being a volunteer for the Temperament Tests. When I would return home, I could not help but rave, and educate people, about them whenever the topic of dogs would come up. How had I not known about them before? Everyone should know about Shiloh Shepherds!
Fast forward several years, in 2011, I finally got my Shiloh, Cutter. He was everything I had hoped and asked my breeder for. His temperament turned out exactly as promised. He has grown into quite the Shiloh Shepherd ambassador. Now, it seems that everywhere he goes, someone wants to know about the breed. I tell so many people about my incredible dog and how perfectly he was matched to my needs and wants.
When I finally had a Shiloh of my own, I wanted to participate more in club activities. I got more involved with SSDCA's Mid-Atlantic Chapter (MAC), and even served as chapter Secretary for a time.
I learned that the only thing more impressive than an ISSR Shiloh Shepherd is a large group of ISSR Shiloh Shepherds. The chapter's group activities were always a hit. I believe that activities like those in which I took part in with MAC, are important in promoting the breed. I'm still surprised at how many people I introduce to Shiloh Shepherds, for the first time.
The SSDCA has an important mission, to preserve, protect and promote the future of this breed. I think education and exposure are important towards this goal and the more ISSR Shiloh Shepherd owners that actively participate, the more successful we will be.
Outside of the Shiloh Shepherd world, my life consists of horses, accounting work, and dog friendly adventures. I currently live in Kennett Square, PA and have found this general area to be great for dog friendly outdoor activities/events.
Many of my experiences, both dog related and not, have given me the ability to understand how to relate to others and have provided me with the confidence educate others about topics in which I am familiar. I also find that I am frequently exposed to potential future owners/promoters of the ISSR Shiloh Shepherds.
I am honored to have been nominated to run for the Board and, once again, step up my involvement within the SSDCA. I wholeheartedly believe in the ISSR and the ISSR Shiloh Shepherd and will do all that I can to help protect their future. If elected, I would be honored to serve a full three-year term on the Board.
Sincerely,
April Amoros
The following people have been nominated to run for positions on the SSDCA's Advisory Board.
Their letters are listed in the order that they were received.
Kim Burck
Hi! Thank you for nominating me! My name is Kim Burck.
I am a licensed Shiloh Shepherd breeder. We are The Ladies of Lorn. I am also the vice president of NESSA.
I live in Orchard Park NY, where my husband, myself and 3 of the 7 Shilohs we have loved run a boarding, daycare , grooming and training kennel.
Since 2011, when we got our first Shiloh , I realized there was a group of people who loved these dogs as I do mine.
I have been involved thru the years in many ways. Learning to do LERS, making it more possible to place the right pup with the right home. Coordinating holter monitoring , very close to my heart , as we lost our Ivy, to GSDIVA. Making sure the word is out, test every pup, breed or pet.
I also enjoy getting our dogs "out there". Helping with walks, shows, fairs, and just talking. We have to continue to get more members. So keep it fun! By educating people about our special breed, and what an honor it is to have an Original Shiloh Shepherd.
How important it is to have and uphold the rules and regulations.
3 years to help with this would be an honor.
But I'll still be loving and promoting our Shilohs regardless!
Thank You,
Kim Burck
The Ladies of Lorn
Sheila Masse
To the members of the SSDCA,
I consider it an honor and a privilege to be put in the nominee position. I am currently serving on the board as I was asked to fill in when a former member was unable to complete their term.
My name is Sheila Masse and I live in North Scituate RI. When I got my first Shiloh back in 2000 I was hooked on the breed immediately. I have had dogs all my adult life but it was different for me with my first Shiloh and being interested in involvement with carrying this breed into the future. When my first Shiloh, a smoothie named Star, arrived , something was different for me with this breed. and I immediately started to seek out how to become involved. While she was a pup I started doing Meet & Greets, thus the SSONE Chapter evolved and continues to this day under my leadership. Of course I understood the goals of the chapter was to educate the public of the birth of this breed, hence I have been doing the Pet Expos and continue to do so. I started the expos with just myself & Star. We now do Ct, and were doing Providence which also led to the Kid's Fair in Ct. I feel we have been successful with this endeavor as we have had shilohs placed though instilling interest from the expos. Now I have lots of help from SSONE Members, couple of which are breeders in training and also a licensed breeder, so I would say my chapter is attaining our goals..
I feel the Club is important because working together we can really show and instill interest in fulfilling Tina's dream, the reason why we all became such advocates of the true ISSR Shiloh Shepherd. Through the years since my girl, Star, who was dx'd at 9 months with EPI I have helped out many of our members who found themselves at a loss when they were faced with the same problem and was able to insure them that their shiloh would live a long quality life with EPI-I had Star 13 yrs. Through this girl I also did my research on Raw Feeding and since then have been able to mentor many members on raw feeding. A year after Star I got Kiora , a dual plush after I bred Kiora I kept a pup and named her Joy. With Star I developed of love of going into the show ring, Star was pointed and Kiora seemed not to enjoy showing, then came Joy's turn with her sister Hope, I titled both of these littermates, also achieving National Select and also GV. Now I have Abracadabra, who also has finished her CH and working on her GV.
Through the years I have participated with the LER process . Issues that I find are important is the health of our breed, and also to be able to encourage other members to follow through with the health testing of their pups. I am more then willing to work with other board members and do not foresee any problem with fulfilling my term . I am always available to SSDCA members, as many of you know, to answer any questions that may arise and to give guidance from my own knowledge and experience. I am currently retired from being the artistic director and teacher of a dance studio for 45 years, where I taught preschool through senior aged students and also special needs. I did performances and charity events and I would say that this developed my skills to organize and lead..
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sheila Masse
Debbie Knatz
I've been involved with the Shiloh world since shortly after the fire that destroyed Tina's kennel in January 2000. I heard all the talk about it being the end of the breed and that they could never recover. I heard the same rumblings and rumors after various people splintered and slivered off over the years. I heard it again after Tina passed away and again after the most recent group's failed coup attempt to wrestle control from Lisa. Each time the SSDCA and ISSR have remained strong and worked to fulfill Tina's dream for the original and only Shiloh Shepherd.
I am currently on the Breed Proposal Committee, a Temperament Tester, Licensed Breeder and the caretaker of this SSDCA website. After discussions between the board and breeders we've come up with a 4-phase plan that I'm in the process of developing on our website.
- For the 1st-phase I developed a secure section on our SSDCA website for breeders to share health and temperament information on their stud dogs to make it easier for our breeders to find potential mates. Each dog will have it's own page including photos, health, temperament, titles, etc...
- Then once the breeders have all submitted their dogs information we'll start the 2nd-phase which will be to expand the database to include breeding females.
- The 3rd-phase will be to collect and share data on our litters as well.
- Finally, the 4th-phase, as the breeding dogs are retired their pages will be moved to a historical section where future breeders will be able to look back on the dogs behind their lines. Imagine if we had those kinds of pages for the Foundation dogs from way back when...
- With this data collection system is in place we will have better control of our breeding program than ever before and it will be an invaluable asset for our breeders (now and in the future) to make even more informed breeding decisions and plans.
Through the years I've been an Advisory Board member three times - both to fill vacancies and also when elected. I helped found the Shiloh Rescue Network with Lisa, worked with Tina on the STM program, worked on the Genetic Task Force, have done Litter Evaluations and Temperament Tests, and ran classes at Homecoming to train and certify new Temperament Testers. I have stepped up every time Tina or Lisa have asked for my help and will continue to do so whenever I'm needed.
I've been owned by truly amazing Shilohs since 2001, Hunter and Tucker (who is 9 years old and still with me) and many others who have passed through my home as long and short term fosters, trainees or rehomes through the Shiloh Rescue. I don't think my home will ever be without a Shiloh or two.
Outside of Shilohs, the rest of my life pretty much revolves around dogs and training. I was recently promoted to my dream job as the Puppy Program Manager at Canine Companions for Independence Northeast Region which is the world's oldest and largest assistance dog organization. I'm also an AKC certified Canine Good Citizen tester and a successful dog trainer. I was also a Puppy Advisor at the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, a therapy dog trainer, veterinary assistant and dog trainer. My "day jobs" have included high tech industry as well: I worked my way up from an entry level position to production supervisor, quality coordinator and engineer in a semiconductor fabrication facility.
I feel that the most important thing for the SSDCA right now is preserving the history and lessons that Tina gave us, and working for the future of the Shiloh Shepherd breed. We need to continue to mentor new LBIT's (Licensed Breeders in Training) and bring them through the ranks to become the Licensed Breeders of the future.
Expanding our website archives, and finding a replacement for the Forums is also critical. We need to have a secure place where we can gather, store and share information, as well as communicate and educate the general public, our members and our breeders. With these strong foundations we can continue to work together to expand our breeding program, research, and improve the health and genetics of our dogs for future generations.
I'll continue to do my best whether I'm on the Advisory Board or not. We've got a terrific group of nominees here and I'm proud to be considered among them.
Thanks,
-Debbie Knatz
Shepherd's Ridge
Paula Terranova
I want to start out by thanking the SSDCA for allowing me the opportunity to run for a position on the Advisory Board. It is an honor and a privilege to be involved with this breed.
My interest in Shiloh Shepherds started about 20 years ago when my Uncle Steve got one. I was smitten and proceeded to learn all I could. I ended up at New Zion to purchase my first Shiloh. This took place at Tina’s before the fire, and during a blizzard. I was looking purely for a family companion and boy did I get that in spades. Max was such a wonderful dog, a great addition to our family. He lived to 10 years and developed DM. When we lost him I swore never, ever would I get another Shiloh. His loss was too painful and I never wanted to feel that way again. I stuck to my guns and had several other breeds after him. I still have my two fourteen year old cock-a-poos from back then. But I missed my Max and decided I needed another Shiloh in our family. So back to New Zion I go. I am on the Hope/ Quest litter. I saw them multiple times after all, what is a six hour drive each way when I get to see puppies. I offered to help Lisa take pictures of her dogs on one of those trips and ended up adopting Leah. Loved her to pieces, such an awesome dog. I went back to get my puppy a few weeks later and came home with Marco. Again not looking for show/breeding I wanted a pet. Evidently Lisa had other plans for me. I showed up at Homecoming and Lisa basically forced me to show Marco, he won and we were hooked. So a few health tests down the road we now have a stud/show dog. A pretty good one I think! Somehow, still not sure how it happened, I agreed to whelp a litter. We lost the entire litter and I wanted to quit but did not. Since then I have whelped several litters and love doing it. My problem is letting them go. Which is how I ended up with Fiona my Nora /Z girl. Granddaughter to my Leah! I have accumulated Greta, Ariana and Rosie. Rosie is Marco’s daughter. Again I whelped Rosie and ended up keeping her. So my current count is 5 Shilohs. I came very close to keeping one from the Rumor /Marco litter. Lisa did not see me running after her car, as she was driving away with the puppies. I give new meaning to the saying you can’t have just one.
I believe in this breed and want to see it grow and prosper. I know we have challenges to face but I think we can conquer them if we work hard and persevere. I think it is important to address health issues within our breed. We are working hard to eliminate GSDIVA. I think we are on the right path by trying to get all our pups holtered between 6-8 months. Doing hip x-rays to address hip dysplasia. The DM testing that is available now has been a blessing. Those of us that have suffered through the loss of a dog by this disease can attest to that. I believe that keeping track of our health issues is imperative. I am a strong proponent of our ongoing health survey. I initiated the idea of a puppy data base for health and behavioral information which will be started soon. This will help us track issues in our bloodlines and pairings I hope.
Another issue I think Shilohs, as a breed, face is lack of breed recognition. If no one knows about our dogs then no one will buy them. And if there is no market the breed will die. I believe we need to do a better job of advertising our wonderful dogs. We do run an ad every year in a dog magazine but that is not enough. We all need to get out with our dogs and show them off. I bring trifolds and business cards when I am out with my dogs. That alone won’t do it, we need to attend things like charity walks, public events, anything that will expose our dogs to the public eye. I know some of us do this already and a big thank you to them.This is an area we need to address right away. I think we need more though. I hope there is someone in our great organization that has media connections and can step up. Anyone?
Another concern for me is our small breeding pool. Those of us that breed need to be aware of dogs that have not been heavily bred and see if we can use them. We may need to use dogs from across the country and all that entails. Frozen semen, shipping and AI. Whatever it takes to increase our diversity. The need for an outcross is becoming a reality. These are pressing issues. We need to encourage people to become breeders and offer them the needed support to be successful. I know it is a daunting thought but the rewards are wonderful. There is so much joy in seeing a puppy that you whelped go on to a wonderful life. I keep in touch with the people owned by my pups. I get pictures, emails, stories and invitations to visit. It is so exciting to see the joy they bring. I actually have it in my contract I expect regular updates. There is heartache too but the balance is in the plus column for sure.
Another area I think we need to address is getting larger amounts of people involved with the breed. There are the people that breed and show and stay involved that way. We have a lot of people out there that don’t either breed or show. I think we need to encourage all people owned by a Shiloh to get involved. Having a Shiloh walk, or fun day, or picnic in each Chapter throughout the year. Getting people to show their dogs, even if you don’t expect to win, is a great experience for the person and dog. And you never know what will happen.
My involvement with this breed has been over a twenty year period. First as a dog owner solely. It is really over the last six years or so that I became very involved in a more formal way. I have been a member of the SSDCA since 2011 and spent four years as an LBIT. I am now a licensed breeder and owner of Terra Shilohs Kennel. I attend the on line membership meetings as well as the on line LBIT/LB meetings. I have reached out to many in our wonderful community and offered assistance and answered questions. I have attended Homecoming since 2011 and have helped there as I can. I am a member and Secretary of the Nessa Chapter. I recently helped with the Memorial Day Show in Yorktown, NY and will be part of the organization for our fall show in the same area. I am the membership coordinator for the SSDCA.
I have made so many close friends over the years through this organization. I feel I am a better person for knowing the members of this group. I have learned so much and have gained so much from so many. I wish everyone could have a group like this behind them. I want to see us grow as a group and increase the joy these dogs bring to others. When I look at my phone contacts, email list and facebook friends the vast majority are my Shiloh peeps. My involvement with this group has been life changing.
I hope you will vote for me for this position. I promise if elected to bring all my passion for the breed, all of my vision and energy to the task. I will fulfill my duties for the entire three year term. If I am not elected that is OK as all the people running for the board are talented and wonderful people. I know all the members that are running would be wonderful on the board.
Pauline Keith
Hello fellow SSDCA members,
My name is Pauline Keith and I reside with my family, two Shiloh’s and a GSD in southern Maine.
I have always been a hopeless animal lover. Over the years I have shared my life with gerbils, turtles, hamsters, cats, dogs, bunnies, chickens, horses, goats and even a few squirrels that we rescued. One of the dogs I had the privilege of owning was a German Shepherd named “Shadow”. I rescued her from the town pound back in the early 80’s and she turned out to be a wonderful companion. I had her for about 10 years, and she was perfect. After Shadow, we took in a mixed breed, who was also a great dog, but I always had a soft spot for German Shepherds. When my youngest daughter wanted a dog for her 16th birthday, we found a breeder of GSD’s and bought our Lexi, who is now 8.
One year when we were staying at a campground in Virginia, I met a family who had a large shepherd, and I of course had to introduce myself and meet their dog. He was truly a gentle giant and they explained to me that he was a Shiloh Shepherd. I was very impressed, but unfortunately soon thereafter, I forgot the name of the breed, but not the dog. Years later when my husband asked me what I wanted for my 50th birthday, I came across the name of Tina Barber and her Shiloh Shepherds on the internet and then I knew this was the breed I had met in VA, and this was what I wanted for my present. So, after contacting Lisa, I became the proud owner of my first Shiloh Shepherd, Rio, in 2012! That’s all it took, I was hooked, and I joined the forums and became a member of the SSDCA and our regional chapter SSONE.
I have since been committed to spreading the word about our wonderful Shilohs. I have attended many, if not all of the SSONE events in the past five years. Kids fairs, Pet Expos and club get togethers. Since acquiring my second Shiloh, Kai, in 2015 and then losing him at 5 months old to GSDIVA, I have a renewed interested in the health of our breed & the importance of Holtering all of our puppies. I have spent time researching geneticsand have taken the ICB course on Genetics and Breeding for the future. I am also very interested in canine nutrition, and have recently taken a comprehensive nutrition course by Dr. Jean Dodds and Diana Laverdure-Dunetz to learn more.
Last year, Taj joined our Shiloh family as a breed quality hopeful. I am now in the process of upgrading his registration to Breed Quality. With Taj, I have continued to attend and participate in the Shiloh Specialty Shows at Homecoming that I began with Kai, in order to promote him and achieve his championship status. To date Taj has completed his Jr. Championship, passed his CGC and has spent some time doing nose work, which he loves.
More recently, I was tasked with coordinating our Shiloh Calendar Contest and becoming the Show Coordinator for the club. Both have been a learning experience for me, and if I can help the Club in this way, then I am happy to do it.
I wish to see our Shiloh breed survive and move into the future healthier and stronger. I am passionate about our breeding program and feel we need to add an outcross in the very near future. I am a strong proponent of holtering all of our puppies so we can map the trends of GSDIVA affectedness and see it eventually eradicated from our breed. I would like to see if we can find ways to make our events enticing to new puppy owners in order to get more participation. I would like to work to explore ways to do more fundraising so that the Club has a healthy bank account to work with.
Thank you for considering me for a three-year term as an SSDCA board member. If elected, I promise to do my part to aid in the process of promoting and enabling our Shiloh Shepherd dogs to continue to improve and prosper in the future.
April Amoros
Dear SSDCA Members,
Thank you for nominating me to run for a position on the Board. I have been involved with Shiloh Shepherds since 1999, and a club member since 2007, and I am excited at the opportunity to assist the club in a greater capacity. For those who may not know me, yet, I'll start with some background on how I first came to know Shiloh Shepherds, and the SSDCA.
In 1999, I was in college and had my 2 GSDs with me. Even though I was far from ready to bring another dog into my life, I started searching and dreaming of what I wanted in my next dog and where I would find it. A Google search introduced me to two breeds that I had not previously heard of, the Shiloh Shepherd and the King Shepherd. At first, I was not clear how they were different, so I emailed a breeder from each breed. It just so happened that the Shiloh Shepherd breeder that I contacted was Tina Barber. She answered my questions with much more detail than the other breeder did, and she invited me to join an online forum to learn more. There, I was welcomed by other Shiloh breeders and enthusiasts, and was invited to my first Homecoming. It was there that I was first introduced to the SSDCA, and it was there that I became hooked on the Shiloh Shepherd breed.
This group has become like an extended family. Even before I had a Shiloh of my own, I felt a kinship. With each Homecoming I would learn more, both in seminars, and just talking to other Shiloh owners. This wasn't just another breed fan club. There is so much to learn, and so much to experience.
The dogs I met at the Homecomings I attended, year after year, never ceased to amaze me with their beauty, intelligence, and kind nature. I always took the opportunity to help in any way that I could, to learn as much as I could. This included anything from, but not limited to, holding dogs, showing dogs, or being a volunteer for the Temperament Tests. When I would return home, I could not help but rave, and educate people, about them whenever the topic of dogs would come up. How had I not known about them before? Everyone should know about Shiloh Shepherds!
Fast forward several years, in 2011, I finally got my Shiloh, Cutter. He was everything I had hoped and asked my breeder for. His temperament turned out exactly as promised. He has grown into quite the Shiloh Shepherd ambassador. Now, it seems that everywhere he goes, someone wants to know about the breed. I tell so many people about my incredible dog and how perfectly he was matched to my needs and wants.
When I finally had a Shiloh of my own, I wanted to participate more in club activities. I got more involved with SSDCA's Mid-Atlantic Chapter (MAC), and even served as chapter Secretary for a time.
I learned that the only thing more impressive than an ISSR Shiloh Shepherd is a large group of ISSR Shiloh Shepherds. The chapter's group activities were always a hit. I believe that activities like those in which I took part in with MAC, are important in promoting the breed. I'm still surprised at how many people I introduce to Shiloh Shepherds, for the first time.
The SSDCA has an important mission, to preserve, protect and promote the future of this breed. I think education and exposure are important towards this goal and the more ISSR Shiloh Shepherd owners that actively participate, the more successful we will be.
Outside of the Shiloh Shepherd world, my life consists of horses, accounting work, and dog friendly adventures. I currently live in Kennett Square, PA and have found this general area to be great for dog friendly outdoor activities/events.
Many of my experiences, both dog related and not, have given me the ability to understand how to relate to others and have provided me with the confidence educate others about topics in which I am familiar. I also find that I am frequently exposed to potential future owners/promoters of the ISSR Shiloh Shepherds.
I am honored to have been nominated to run for the Board and, once again, step up my involvement within the SSDCA. I wholeheartedly believe in the ISSR and the ISSR Shiloh Shepherd and will do all that I can to help protect their future. If elected, I would be honored to serve a full three-year term on the Board.
Sincerely,
April Amoros
Thank you for voting. The polls are now closed.