The International Breeders Seminar was based upon a
Power Point slide show created by Kathy Lorentzen that
included photographs of dogs from countries around the
world. The panelists (Tarja Hovila from Finland,
Jennifer Lawrence from Australia, Julia Merriman, Karen
Foster and Kathy Lorentzen from the US) interacted with
the audience in a discussion that created wonderful
opportunities for all participants to "get inside
each others heads" on a variety of subjects-the
breed standard; breed quality, strengths and weaknesses;
temperament and health issues. This was a priceless
opportunity for breeders to discover the strengths in
the breed that are available in other countries. The
benefits from this sort of open and honest discussion
were enormous for both the attendees and the entire
breed.
The forum presented an opportunity for people to get
away from the environment of the competitive arena,
relax, and enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow breed
enthusiasts, with the additional benefit of gaining
insight about the challenges that are faced by breeders
from around the world.
The Breeder Seminar afforded us the opportunity to
hear and appreciate differing points of view from around
the world and to gain insight in to what works and what
doesn't for breeders from far-flung areas. The program
served to cement relationships and allow us all to gain
greater knowledge and understanding of the thought
processes and priorities of those from other countries,
and therefore served to strengthen the Springer
community worldwide.
Over 50 people from around the US and Canada attended
the seminar outdoors under a tent in very in climate
weather. Every attendee received a large paper handled
bag full of dog goodies and brochures donated by dozens
of companies from around the world. David Swank and
Scott Lenz, major sponsors and organizers for the event,
made up a tremendous table of food, including smoked ham,
artichoke dip, smoked salmon, shrimp, turkey, various
dips, vegetables, chips, salsa and more. The bar was
stocked with bottled beer, ½ size wines labeled for the
event, soft drinks and Finlandia vodka. The Symposium
began about 7:15 and continued to around 10 PM. The
Springer Showcase was the media sponsor, Hill Science
Diet was the major corporate sponsor and other corporate
donors (for the raffle) included Dog News, Dogs in
Review, Dog Fancy, CERF, OFA, AKC, UKC, KV Vet,
Cherrybrook, Springer Showcase, Eagle, BlueDogBakery,
Royal Canin, Biljac, and many other fine companies. All
proceeds from the money's collected for admission to the
seminar will be donated to the AKC CHF epilepsy study.
There are simply not enough superlatives to describe the
Symposium weekend. Attendee comments can be viewed at http://www.iessc.org/symposium_2003.htm
The Swedish ESS National Club is already making plans to
hold the next International Breeders Seminar during
their National Show in July 2004. Plans are underway for
the next North American Symposium in October 2005. New
friends were made, old friends were reunited, old wounds
were healed and a foundation was established, a
beginning basis to truly foster improvement and quality
in our beloved breed, the English Springer Spaniel.
David Swank
Event Coordinator
2003 International Breeders Symposium
