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Originally Posted by TimelessYorkies Thank you for your response!
I spent about 3 years trying to "get to know" the people at the Yorkie club. There seemed to be a lot of disagreement among the old members, especially with the person who sponsored me and with whom I would go to meetings, so, I felt pushed aside by association and it made it quite difficult to develop relationships with anyone. I did go to 1 of their specialty shows and helped with that one. I also attended other events they held and went with my sponsor to a few shows she was showing in.
A lot of other stuff was happening with the local breed club, but in that club there were actually personal attacks among members and people who had left the club trying to come back in to take over again and just a lot of stress and frustration. I did walk away from the local all-breed club. I'm not trying to make excuses for myself, but that's just not the kind of environment I like to be in when meetings end up in shouting matches and I certainly hope that's not representative of what the 'show world' will be. I know there are political issues in showing, but I certainly hope it doesn't come down to personal battles and people tearing each other apart.
I have been to several AKC shows throughout the years and I helped put together the show for the local cluster 2 years in a row, so it's not like I know absolutely nothing and haven't tried to learn anything, but I know there is much more to be learned and most of it would be best to come under the guidance of experienced people.
I'm certainly going to be attending more shows. I'm a little shy at first and I have a hard time just going up to someone who's prepping to go in the ring. What do you suggest is the best way to talk to breeders? I'm assuming I shouldn't open with the line- Hi, I'm looking for a mentor"
All joking aside, I do appreciate all the feedback I get and anything that would help the experience be better than what I've seen so far, will definitely be helpful. |
We have no regional Yorkshire Terrier Club here, and when I went to a meeting of the local all-breed club seeking membership after moving here, they broke out in fighting and nastiness, making it clear they were a sinking ship. The national club, YTCA, is way too hoity-toity for me. Some of my friends breed Parti color Yorkies, and I don't always dock tails. YTCA made it clear to me that due those things, I'm not a good candidate for membership. Therefore, be careful not to give the appearance of being someone who may question the status quo.
Sincere best wishes to you!