REMINDERS

February 12, 2010

Hi everyone! for all of us here in the mid-atlantic region — please be careful about shoveling snow to the point of sheer exhaustion — those back, arm and leg muscles are just not used to the snow accumulations we have recently experienced. Also, remember that while our dogs seem to love to romp thru the snow (or at least all the ones here do!), that the coated breeds will accumulate ice balls in their coats and their paws – please check your pets when bringing them in and this will also save you from numerous “pools of melted snow” throughout your house. We wanted to run thru some reminders as the 2010 year is under way concerning terms and conditions of using a handler that might be helpful to you. Please remember, however, that we are always willing to answer any of your questions, no matter how small. After all, you are the reason we exist and we appreciate your loyalty (plus the spectacular quality of dogs you present us with to show.)

HANDLING RATES Everyone is aware of how difficult the economic situation has been lately. We strive to work with our clients to provide them with quality handling services at reasonable rates. For those of you who are “old time” clients, you know that it has been many years since we have raised our rates. We plan on continuing thru 2010 with the current rates as published in our rate sheet to help assist our client’s with their goals to promote their breeding programs and individual dogs while the economy is on the road to improvement. You may download a copy of the rate sheet from the website listed at the bottom of this email. If you prefer us to mail you a copy of the rate sheet, please just let us know. Please note that entry at any show is your acceptance of the terms and conditions of that rate sheet.

OWNER MADE ENTRIES: When making your own entries for a show, please remember to include either Jo Ann’s or Adam’s Agent I.D.# so that we will receive confirmation of the entry. Numbers are listed below. Also, please email confirmation of your entry for us to take with us to the show in case of any discrepancies. Jo Ann – P0041 Adam – 1200

AFTER CLOSE OF ENTRIES Any dog pulled by an owner after the close of entries is responsible for payment of the handling fee and related travel expenses. No board or grooming charges are included in this. The reason for this is that after the close of entries, the handler cannot enter another dog to fill in the spot vacated by your dog. the handler committed that spot to your dog and was unable to accept any other client for that particular spot. This is not dissimilar to a doctor’s office charging for a missed appointment. We try to accommodate our client’s wherever possible but we must maintain consistent business protocols at the same time.

RINGSIDE HANDLING Ringside handling fees are stated on our schedule. Please note that a ringside handling fee is exactly that – the dog is presented to the handler at ringside (or the handler’s set up) and is presented already groomed and ready for the ring. The handler shows the dog and then returns the dog to the owner or the owner’s agent. Some dogs are fine being shown this way, however, a majority of dogs do much better spending time with the handler and the handler’s expertise at grooming. It is your choice and if your dog shows best this way, then by all means, this is the way to go. We can discuss with you on an individual basis which method of handling will work best for your particular dog and for you – after all, we want this to be an enjoyable experience for both dogs and owners.

TRAVEL EXPENSES Travel Expenses are what it costs the handler to arrive at the show. This expense covers the gas / parking / grooming space, etc. We do not charge for meals or incidentals like grooming products, crate beds for your dog, toys for your dog while they are with us, etc. If you are bringing your dog to the show, you are still liable for the travel expenses. Most shows are charging for the grooming space we use, the electric we use, parking, etc. Travel Expenses are split among all the dogs and are very minimal. If you would like further clarification, please don’t hesitate to ask us.

PAYMENT METHODS Payments of handling bills may be made in any of the following methods: CASH MONEY ORDER PERSONAL OR CERTIFIED CHECK CREDIT CARD If paying by credit card, please be sure that we have current credit card information on file. The choice of what method you use to pay your bill is entirely up to you.

I promise to work on the website this year — it seems it is always under construction as there are never enough hours to plan show strategies, get entries made, get dogs ready and go to shows. Also, remember how computer illiterate i am on doing a website! so please be patient and eventually we hope to have pictures of most of your dogs up on the site as well as our own dogs!!!

Posted in Conformation