I would like to thank all of you for participating in our recent election and welcome our new slate of Club executive members.

I have had the fortune to experience the Vancouver Olympics over the last few weeks and would like to share with you my observations. It has been awesome and I believe these games have done more to unite our country than any other event in a long time. The streets and arenas in Vancouver are filled with people sharing a common goal—supporting our athletes in their quests for personal excellence. I have seen and felt firsthand the groundswelling of passion, pride and patriotism of Canadian fans. And…I have been amazed by the strength of character and courage of many of the athletes competing not just for themselves and Canada, but also for members of their families. It has been inspiring.

There is a message here for all of us. While we may come from different parts of the country and may have differing opinions on what we think a Bouvier should be or do, we all have a common bond—Bouviers. It is important for our breed that we recognize this bond and the role that we have as club members in maintaining and preserving the breed.

We are not immune to issues affecting dog owners, breeders and clubs. Issues such as breed bans, cropping and docking bans, and declining participation in canine events will eventually impact us as well. It is our challenge as club members to actively engage in ongoing dialogue; communicate with each other to build a stronger Bouvier community. To that end, I will do my best to ensure that we have open communication within the club—between the members and the executive. In return, I challenge all of you to participate in this dialogue. Get to know your Regional Director(s). Get to know the dog clubs in your area. Participate in events. And let us know what you have been up to.

Always, I am open to suggestions for improving the club. Feel free to send your ideas to me at sylvi@aktivbouvs.net. I am looking forward to working with Club members and the executive over the next year to strengthen our Club.

Thank you for your support.

Sylvi

Executive Elections  -  Results 2009
Term of office for elected official is 2 years, and starts on 1 January 2010.
 

CLUB EXECUTIVE POSITIONS

Officers

President: Sylvi Holmsen

Vice President: Diane Ham

Secretary: Serge Bilodeau

Treasurer: Mary Jane Sears   

Members

Director (British Columbia): Yvonne Savard    

Director (Prairies): Monique Riehl

Director (Ontario):  Kathleen Bayfield-Pollock & Virginia McTear

Director (Quebec): Michel Côté

Director (Atlantic): Allison Capson