Club Activities


.....	In pursuit of the goals noted in the BYLAWS, the club has divided its business into FIVE areas of concentration. Each of these is supervised by an Oversight Committee. (LIST)					.....
	CONFORMATION	OBEDIENCE	FIELD	RESCUE	PROGRAM
	Regular reports of these are featured at each club meeting, but they are an OVERVIEW only, and are limited to 3 minutes each, so that there is time for fun and visiting. Actual work of the committee is done in separate meetings. Budgets for each committee are to be monitored continuously by the Treasurer.

	Conformation Shows
	To encourage and promote the breeding of pure-bred Irish Setters and do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection.
	In pursuit of this goal, each calendar year the club presents events at which they may exhibit and compare their dogs: SPRING SPECIALTY SHOW - Mid March SUMMER SPECIALTY SHOW - Mid July Attendance is encouraged to the ISCA National Specialty. Other activities such as Matches, Fun Days, Grooming clinics and Fundraising efforts are determined per year at the discretion of the membership.
	Things to know:
	AKC and ISCA	The club's activities and events are designed to support the guidelines and rules of the American Kennel Club and the Irish Setter Club of America. (See ByLaws)
	HCSA	The club's two Specialties are held in conjunction with other specialty clubs in the Houston area through HCSA [Houston Combined Specialty Association.]
	TROPHIES	At each show, the club offers awards and prizes. The nature of these prizes changes with each show. They are offered by the Irish Setter Club of Houston, Inc. through the generosity of members and friends. Also offered SWEEPSTAKES, NON-REGULAR CLASSES, PARADE OF CHAMPIONS .
		BEST OF BREED BEST OF WINNERS BEST OF OPPOSITE SEX TO BEST OF BREED WINNERS DOG WINNERS BITCH		BEST PUPPY IN PUPPY CLASSES FIRST IN EACH CLASS BEST JUNIOR HANDLER and at some shows, OBEDIENCE trophies. (See Obedience section for detail.)
	CHALLENGE TROPHIES	In addition to the standard awards and prizes the club offers the following:
		BEST OF BREED - The Ch McCamon Anastasia Memorial Challenge Trophy for Best of Breed is offered by Malinda Bischoff, Somermead Irish Setters, through the Irish Setter Club of Houston, Inc. for competition at ISCH Specialty Shows only. For permanent possession, the trophy must be won three times by the same owner(s), not necessarily with the same dog nor at consecutive shows. For the purposes of this trophy, there may be different co-owners listed on the dog. The trophy shall remain in the possession of the club until won outright. (chart) (photo)
		WINNERS DOG and WINNERS BITCH - The ISCH Jack Morgan Memorial Challenge Trophy for Winners Dog and Winners Bitch. Curved Etched Glass Picture Frames are offered by Mrs. Jacqueline Morgan through the Irish Setter Club of Houston, Inc. for competition at their Specialty Shows only. For permanent possession the trophies must be won three times by the same owner(s), not necessarily with the same dog/bitch nor at consecutive shows. For purposes of this trophy, different co-owners may be listed on the dogs or bitches. These trophies shall remain in the possession of the club until won outright. (chart-WD) (chart-WB) (photo)
		BRED BY EXHIBITOR DOG CLASS, 1ST - The Ch Somermead National Acclaim Memorial Bred-by-exhibitor Challenge Trophy is offered by Malinda & Brianna Bischoff, Somermead Irish Setters, through the Irish Setter Club of Houston, Inc. for any Irish Setter dog that wins the Bred-by-Exhibitor Dog Class at ISCH Specialty Shows only. For permanent possession, the trophy must be won three times by the same owner(s), not necessarily with the same dog nor at consecutive shows. For purposes of this trophy, there may be different co-owners listed on the dog. The trophy shall remain in the possession of the club until won outright. (chart) (photo)

	Obedience Trials
	To conduct sanctioned and licensed specialty shows and obedience and field events under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club.
	In pursuit of this goal, each calendar year the club presents events at which they may exhibit and compete with their dogs: SUMMER OBEDIENCE TRIAL - Mid July Attendance is also encouraged to the ISCA National Specialty. Fun Days and Fundraising efforts are determined per year at the discretion of the membership.
	TROPHIES	At each trial, the club offers awards. The nature of these prizes changes with each show. They are offered by the Irish Setter Club of Houston, Inc. through the generosity of members and friends.
		Prizes are offered to the following: HIGH COMBINED SCORE HIGH IN TRIAL FIRST thru FOURTH place in each class.		Also offered are prizes for the NON-REGULAR CLASSES, VETERAN CLASS GRADUATE NOVICE CLASS PRE-NOVICE CLASS Although less often, classes are also available for BRACE and TEAM.

	Field Events
	To do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of all breeds of pure-bred dogs and to encourage sportsmanlike competition at dog shows and obedience and field events.
	In pursuit of this goal, each calendar year the club presents events at which they may exhibit their dogs: SPRING HUNTING TEST weekend - January or February BIRD INTRO DAY - October or November Attendance is also encouraged to the ISCA National Field Trial. Fun Days and Bird Intro days are determined per year at the discretion of the membership. Planning of a Field Trial or Walking Field Trial has been discussed, perhaps with LIMITED Stakes.
	TROPHIES	At each test the club offers awards to the following: MASTER HUNTER SENIOR HUNTER JUNIOR HUNTER Blaze orange ROSETTES are offered by the Irish Setter Club of Houston for each Qualifying Score. Also offered occasionally, through the generosity of members and friends, are "mementos" to anyone 'finishing' a title at our test.		In the event that a Field Trial is offered, the following awards will be presented through the generosity of the membership: FIRST thru FOURTH place in each STAKE Among the STAKES that can be offered are: OPEN GUN DOG, AMATEUR GUN DOG OPEN DERBY, AMATEUR DERBY OPEN PUPPY, AMATEUR PUPPY Also possible would be LIMITED STAKES for Setters only.

	Rescue
	To invite the participation of others who have the interest of the Irish Setter in mind but may not currently own one, and promote the care and placement of rescued Irish Setters.
	In pursuit of this goal, each calendar year the club participates in a number of events to raise awareness of disadvantaged dogs and the program that saves them. The new owners of these lucky dogs are invited to join the club, and participate in family fun! ST PATRICK'S DAY PARADE - 3 choices of parades! Mid March. CELTIC FESTIVAL - Party in downtown Houston RESCUES ON PARADE - occasional opportunities to take dogs to meet and greet the public as representatives of the breed rescue effort. FREE MEMBERSHIP - one year free membership to new adoptive homes.
	ACTIVITIES	Some Individuals in the club monitor local community gatherings, and help get the club involved in opportunities to mingle with the public and find adoptive homes and foster homes for rescued Irish Setters. PET FAIRS and RESCUE INFORMATION BOOTHS		Others garner support from local businesses to benefit the dogs VETERINARIANS and PET SUPPLY STORES And still others try fundraising with RAFFLES, AUCTIONS, GARAGE SALES & CRAFT SALES.
		And the story would not be complete without the special folks who offer FOSTER homes to the dogs while they undergo health treatment and training.

	Programs
	To educate members and the general public on all aspects of keeping and breeding Irish Setters.
	In pursuit of this goal, each calendar year the club presents events at which we extend a hearty welcome to folks who may or may not ever exhibit their dogs, but want to share stories about their Best Friend: PHOTO ALBUM DAY - At the February meeting photos are shared. PARADE - Everyone goes totally Celtic for the St. Patti's Day Parade. PICNIC - May or June Fun Day with dogs and hospitality. BIRD INTRO DAY - October or November fun picnic along with bird work. and SPEAKERS - occasional presentations to share a variety of info, new products and sometimes door prizes. Some of our topics: Health discussion by Veterinarians Nutrition consult by Pet Food Companies Animal Assisted Therapy - participants/video Grooming and Training Tips
	AWARDS	The club has Awards to Members: DISTINGUISHED MEMBER AWARD -- This is an honor offered to a member whose sportsmanship or hard work has distinguished him/her all year. LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP AWARD -- This honor is offered to a member whose hard work will benefit the club for many years.
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