Candidate for Northwest Director

By now most of you know me, but for those that do not I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the membership. I am Karen Niffenegger and my involvement with GSP’s started in 1987 when I wanted a dog for my active outdoor lifestyle and to hunt upland birds. I found the perfect dog in the German Shorthaired Pointer. I purchased my first shorthair and joined the GSPCA that year. In 1988 I discovered the local club and joined the GSPC of Oregon. Since that time it has been full speed ahead. I was elected Secretary of the GSPC of Oregon in 1990 and served for 12 years. As a member of the club I have been Hunt Test Chairman and Secretary, Specialty Show Chairman and Field Trial Secretary. I am also a member of the GSPC of Washington and have served on their Specialty Show and Field Trial committees. Some of my biggest accomplishments include: Secretary of the AKC Gun Dog Championships with record entries in 1999, Chairman of the 2002 AKC Gun Dog Championships and GSPCA 2000 National Specialty Show Chairman. I also served on the NSS Executive Committee for 6 years and have been on the GSPCA Board of Directors for 5 years.

As a devoted member of the GSPCA I have attended every national specialty since 1988, the 2010 made number 22 then I missed Florida so the streak is over. For the last 9 years I have been attending at least the Amateur Championship at the National Field Trial in Kansas. During the 2007 National Amateur Gun Dog Championship in Tucson, Arizona I made it to the second series with my dog Jazz, who was ranked no 5 in the nation for Amateur Gun Dog in 2006. I have been consistently placing in field trials in the Northwest and became a licensed Field Trial judge in 1996. Brian Hill, my husband and I own some of the top field trial dogs now competing in the Northwest. Not forgetting my show roots my co-owned male was ranked in the top twenty both breed and all breed points for 2005, 06 and 07. 

I realize the NW Territory has more than doubled since reallocation of members by dividing California. I still hope to reach out to as many of you as possible by attending events, but some communication may be via email or a news brief. I want everyone to know that they can contact me any time about concerns. I want to communicate with GSP owners and talk to them about issues concerning them and what is happening with the GSPCA. 

By profession I am a Pharmacist, hence the name Foxglove for my kennel and I am very concerned about health issues for GSP’s. I was chairman of the basket raffle for the Canine Health Foundation at the National specialty for 5 years and will continue to work toward improved heath and genetics for the GSP. While on the board we initiated the Cone Degeneration genetic database for GSP’s. We established the qualifications for CHIC during my tenure. Just recently the funding we did for Canine Lupoid Dermatosis paid off. This condition, which effects GSP’s now, has a genetic marker test, which can be used to find carriers. I have been working with the Juniors and feel they are so important to our club’s health and future. I am looking forward to doing more for the juniors in both show and field.  

When the Shorthair Journal went to 6 issues a year, it was a difficult decision for the board. But to be responsible to the members we could not have it run in the red for so much, for so long. Between the new editor, new printer, improved timeliness and more ads, the magazine costs have decreased tremendously, we have even had a month where ads put us in the black. I welcome any and all comments concerning the Journal. I also want the board to be responsive to the needs of the membership and I will help bring those concerns to the Board. I work hard in everything I do and most of you know that. I will work hard as a board member. I want to thank you for your time and consideration when voting this March and April. I hope the whole region can support me in this election.  

Karen Niffenegger
24004 NE 44th Street
Vancouver, WA 98682
(360) 833-1558
foxglovegsp3@comcast.net