Cirneco dell'Etna Club of America's
Tenth Annual Cirneco Specialty
November 2nd, 3rd, & 4th, 2007
Rancho Texcelente IXL, Cat Spring, Texas
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Dear CdECA family and supporters,

PLEASE pull out those calendars and block out the weekend of November 2 - 4, 2007. This year's specialty is the TENTH and a milestone to celebrate together.

From its inception eleven years ago, CdECA has increased its membership across the country and we now span 27 states. The Specialty is the perfect opportunity for all of us to come together - old and new members increasing their knowledge of our Cirnechi companions and making or rekindling friendships.

For our milestone celebration we will be mentored by Antonio di Lorenzo in the Conformation Ring. We are honored to have this highly esteemed FCI judge and Cirneco specialist as our eyes in learning more about the breed.

There is a quaint expression in my native tongue "at the foot of the cannon" Here defined as Domenico Tricomi and Jane Moore, tireless in their efforts to mentor us in America. We are again honored to have them "present and accounted for" .

I leave the unveiling of yet another milestone for last: This year, hailing from Sicily, our Hunting Trial judge is Giuseppe Veraldi, Presidente, Societa Amatori Cirneco dell'Etna. Yes, representation from the Sicilian Kennel Club.

And, with the promise of a two day Lure Coursing event we have "lured" the top action photographer in the country for the weekend. Shot-On-Site will be present to take magnificent photographs.

For those of you who have never before participated in our Specialty or similar events I pilfer last year's descriptions:

HUNTING TRIAL

In Italy, it is required that the Cirneco pass a hunting trial in order to be deemed a “champion”. The Cirneco developed as a hunter and this is the instinct which must not be lost if we are to preserve the breed. Although many of us have experienced the hunting instinct of our Cirnechi with squirrels, mice, birds, and even rabbits, very few of us have had the opportunity to see the skill of a trained Cirneco in action. Saturday morning’s hunt will help you understand your Cirneco’s instinctual behavior patterns.

CONFORMATION RING

The conformation ring is a vehicle for learning the characteristics that help us select the dogs that will reproduce and preserve the breed in America. By having a wide array of cirnechi present – tall/short, correct/incorrect ears, “show”/”primitive” coats, etc. – we can learn about and appreciate the breed and its characteristics in different degreesof conformance to the ideal. Competition in the conformation ring is much more than just a “beauty” contest.

LURE COURSING

The Lure Coursing event is primarily an American social yet competitive event For the second year, will be sanctioned by the American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA) and participants can earn points for national championships. This year the Lure Coursing will span Saturday and Sunday and please remember that we are now Provisional Status and the points do accumulate! Above all, this is a fun physical activity for owners and dogs to enjoy. The cirnechi are judged on their focus, agility, enthusiasm, speed and endurance. You will enjoy this purely “fun” activity which will guarantee great exercise and stimulation for all but the most resolute “couch potato” Cirneco.

I look forward to seeing all of you again, or meeting for the first time. Come enjoy our common bond - the Cirneco!

Lucia Prieto, President

Special Notes

Texas Regulations
To comply with local laws you need to carry your current rabies certificate whenever you travel with your dog.

Pedigree Information
If your Cirneco Pedigree is not on file with CdECA, please enclose a copy with your entry forms.

Your dog’s Photograph
If CdECA does not currently have a photograph of your dog, send a recent headshot of each dog entered or e-mail it to sarayy@aol.com. Please identify the dog in the photograph on the back or in the file name.

Kennel Space During the Specialty
In order to provide you with a worry free time at the specialty, we are establishing an area where someone will be watching over your dog(s) at all times. They will be fed, watered and shaded as you participate in the events which do not require your dogs’ participation. Cirnechi will be fed Friday at 5 pm, Saturday at 7 am & 5 p.m., and Sunday at 7 a.m. We are serving Eukanuba FP, mixed with rice and chicken.

The CdECA Store
The CdECA Store is our ongoing fundraiser. You can find our online store at Cirneco.com. Additional items will be available at the specialty. Funds raised go to club sponsored events, activities and rescue.

Have fun and raise money for the club
One of our fundraisers this year will be a silent auction table. A variety of Cirneco and various other items, large and small, have been generously donated by members. The live auction will be open on Friday and Saturday. In addition to being a fun and exciting event, it's for a great cause, with all proceeds going to the Club. If you would like to donate any items for the silent auction, please contact Aliza Fan at afan@houston.rr.com.

Standing Committees
The club has set up standing committees for 2007. You may want to consider which of the following you would like to participate in:
Communications, Events, Rescue, Constitution & By-laws, and Fundraising.

Volunteer for the Specialty
Be a team leader or member. Contact Sara at sarafer13@aol.com or call 832-428-7463.

Fundraising: Aliza Fan. Raise money to hire workers for the Specialty, coordinate silent auction.
Hospitality: Activities or help for out of town participants
Lodging: Lucia P.
Hunting Demonstration: Responsible for all aspects of the Hunting demonstration.
Kennel: Lucia P.
Registration: Sara Fernandez
Site: Coordinate the layout of the Specialty site such as seating, booths, shade etc., direct hired workers for set-up and tear-down.
Show Secretary: Carlos Fernandez. Organize registration forms and checks.
Site Liaison: Lure Coursing Responsible for all aspects of the Sunday Lure Coursing.
Store: Order merchandise and manage the store at the Specialty.
Trophies/Doggie Goody Bags.
Workshops: Plan and manage the Friday workshops.