>From:    zen and the art of ferrets - bill and diane<[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: More blather from Zen: rabies, AKC, MF and refusal to go political
 
>>From:    "Monkey, Kona, Mitz, Two, Beezer, & Lucky" <[log in to unmask]>
>>Subject: Can't compare ferret National group to AKC
>>Can't compare ferret National group to AKC... cos the main reason the
>>failed and splintered off is they tried to make AKC certified dogs....g
>
>Well do you mean we can compare and do better in some regards than the AKC?
>
>The AFA already permits the showing of altered animals (unlike the AKC), it
>does not force pedigreed animals inly (unlike the AKC) so they did diverge
>from the AKC positions on some issues.... The AKC is the most effective
>group for power in the dog world.  That should be emulated by uniting as
>much as we can of the ferret world.
 
Dear Bill and Diane,
 
In regards to the AKC and your quote "effective group for power in the dog
world".  It is not exactly right.  The AKC was formed to "Record" the mating
and keep the purebred strains....pure.  That is their only function, and
that remains their only function to this day.  You are right about "show
issues" only.  That was and remains the end result of the AKC is to breed
and show AKC registered Dogs.  They do nothing else other that have a
charity party or two, and license Judges.  They do nothing for Canines in
General.
 
They will on occasion "drop-in" on breeders who are thought to be guilty of
registration fraud.  (Instead of really breeding that Champion of record to
the clients bitch....maybe one of the younger studs was used).  In any
case...all they ever do is check "YOUR" records, they don=' care what your
kennel looks like or anything else.
 
The real power in the Canine World is the "Specialty" Breed clubs and State
breed clubs, many who also are involved with rescues and some legal tasks.
They are affiliated with the AKC, but that is all.  The clubs submit show
results...which in turn the AKC keeps track of champion points.  But the
clubs at the state level dictate point allotment and such.
 
The AKC doesn't sponsor shows or anything....It only keeps records of
pure-breed dogs recognized only by the AKC.
 
The splinter groups are not from the AKC.  United Kennel Club was formed for
working field dogs originally, and they let other breeds in as long as they
could prove themselves in the field they were bred to do.
 
World K.C. was formed by people who couldn't or didn't want to compete in
the very competitive AKC format.  They register anything, and you can show
neuter's.
 
The Ferret clubs work at all levels....and to compare the Ferret clubs to
the AKC is a insult to the ferret clubs....the AKC has grown so large that
they have had to restrict registrations.  Fraud still occurs in registration.
The AKC has grown so large that politics and alot of dishonesty prevail.
God help us if we unite and form a AKC..... at that point all that the
Ferret Clubs have worked so hard for will be lost.
 
To emulate the AKC will be our undoing.  Power and politics is something no
one should emulate.  Our PRIMARY concern's should be only about the Ferrets
as personalities unto themselves and work only in that arena.  A
organization should be willing to educate the general population about the
Ferret as a great pet....but not for everyone!  All pets should come with a
complete disclaimer....this pet may not always use the litterbox, or it
might not use the litterbox at all....you may have to get a part time job to
help defray costs if your pet gets sick....ect, ect..  Education, education,
education....it is our only avenue!
 
"The International Domestic Ferret Educational and Legal Legion" or
something...you get the point.
 
Bumperstickers.... (Maggies disclaimer here)
 
If you can read this...your in my Ferret's anal wipe area!
 
Sincerely
 
Cheryl
[Posted in FML issue 1982]