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endorsed written form that the dog has only been in a country or countries at low risk for rabies and appear healthy on arrival. The CDC have emphasized that several of the forms acceptable for proof of residence in a low-risk country are valid for the entire period that a rabies vaccination is valid. For example, “The Certification of US Issued Rabies Vaccination” would need to be completed by a USDA -accredited veterinarian before the dog initially leaves the United States and would then be valid for three years in the case of a three-year rabies vaccine. Owners would not be required to complete a new form or health checks for importation during that time so long as they have the original form and provide it upon reentry to the United States. The AKC has also raised objections to the requirement that dogs must be at least six months old before being imported into the US. As of August 1, 2024, the importation of personally owned puppies of less than six months of age will not be permitted. The CDC have responded that unscrupulous importers continue to falsify health paperwork and that there is no way currently of distinguishing between personally owned dogs and dogs imported for commercial purposes. They are, however, willing to hear arguments for adjustments to these rules and are also willing to discuss other changes to the rules as they currently stand. Finally, the AKC encourages those with concerns regarding these rules to contact the CDC at: cdcanimalimports@cdc.gov or 404-498-1600 and respectfully raise them with the agency. Katherine Jacobson Secretary's Report Tricia L. Smith, Recording Secretary Summary of Board Actions March 2024 through April 2024 1. March 26, 2024 • The Board continued discussing the appointment of Chairs and filling remaining Committee positions. The Board also continued discussing the appointment of Regional Chairs. Vice President Sandra Pretari-Hickson reported that BJ Pumfrey had graciously agreed to serve as Reginal Chair for Region 8. • The Board continued to prepare for the 2024 Specialty. The Board thanked Melissa Jethanandani for agreeing to take on the huge job of Chairing the Trophy Committee. The Board agreed to transport trophies and silver from Melissa’s home to Purina Farms. Trisha L. Smith made a motion that the Club pay for the cost of renting a transport van to transport the Club’s trophies and silver from MJ’s home to the 2024 National Specialty and back. Earl Hunt seconded the motion. President Sandra Wolfskill opened the matter for discussion, and the Board discussed shipping cost options and why shipping is safer for the trophies and silver. Sandra Wolfskill put the motion to a vote. The “aye” votes had it unanimously, and the motion carried. The Board recognized that Melissa has taken on a huge job Chairing the Trophies and thanked Melissa for her efforts.

• D’Arcy Downs-Vollbracht and Mary Downs worked together on the Versatility for Dandies Project (“ Dandie Versatility Project ”). Prior to the Board meeting, D’Arcy circulated to the Board the draft Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versatility, Versatility Excellent, and Versatility Supreme Plan (“ Dandie Versatility Plan ”) that DDV and Mary Downs prepared for the Board’s review and discussion. The Committee asked for the Board’s approval to begin offering new Versatility titles that will recognize and honor the Dandie Dinmont Terriers and owners who are passionate about participating in performance and companion events. The Committee believes that this first step of offering Versatility titles will encourage more Dandie owners to get their dogs out to events where they will be seen by the public doing things that they can excel in based upon the wonderful characteristics of the breed. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are active and versatile dogs. Dandies were bred to have the skills and drive to excel in the field and are happiest when working closely with their owners. Modern-day Dandies and their owners use these skills to compete in the many dogs’ sports available today. As outlined in D’Arcy’s and Mary’s draft Dandie Versatility Plan, and to recognize and preserve these traits and to encourage owners to enjoy them – the DDTCA can offer the Versatility Awards, which reward participation in a variety of dog activities. The Versatility Award scheme is designed so that the average Dandie and owner, with some effort, can earn the Versatility Award. No level of Versatility requires a conformation championship. The three (3) Versatility levels developed by the Committee to date include: 1. Versatility – This will be the introductory title that owners will be able to apply for after meeting the basic beginner requirements of seven (7) points in three (3) categories. 2. Versatility Excellent – This will be the second level to the program and can be achieved after meeting the requirements for the first title and adding some additional achievements in one additional category of events for a total of 12 points in at least four (4 )categories. 3. Versatility Supreme – This will be the highest level and will require a working title and a total of 15 points from four (4 )categories. D’Arcy advised the Board that in addition to developing the Dandie Versatility Plan, the Committee has connected with four (4) Club Members to date who want to serve on the Committee and to help develop the DDTCA’s Versatility Project. DDV and Mary Downs envision having the Committee meet quarterly and review Versatility applications submitted by Members. At the DDTCA’s National Specialty each year, the Club could develop events and in-person ceremonies to honor Versatility accomplishments. Additionally, the Club could post announcements of awards on the DDTCA website. D’Arcy noted that once the Club establishes the first step of implementing a Versatility Program and awarding titles – the Club could next pursue a second step in which we verify to the AKC that we have a Versatility Program in place that awards Club Versatility Titles. The Club can then ask AKC

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