2002 - 2003 PBGVFC Executive Council Nominee Biography

SHARON ARMSTRONG - British Columbia

Membership Affiliations

• Canadian Kennel Club since 1977
• Great Pyrenees Club of America since 1977
• Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Fanciers of Canada since 1998
• Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America since 1998

Biographical Summary
I have lived in British Columbia and Alberta (7 years) and have always had a dog in my family. My first involvement with purebred dogs and CKC dog shows was when I purchased a Great Pyrenees in 1977. Shortly after I began my own breeding program under the kennel name Weskyuwin Perm Reg'd with many Cdn. and Am. Champions and Obedience titlists. I judged the GPCAmerica's National Specialty Futurity classes a few years ago and have judged a "B Match" in Washington state. I have never looked back!

While showing my Pyrs in Alberta in the early 80's I was introduced to one of the first PBGVs in Canada. I kept that memory of the breed as one that captivated my heart, never thinking that one day I would actually own one. You see, my first love, of course, were my Pyrs. In 1997 I began my search for my own PBGV and contacted all the breeders I could locate in North America. I decided on a pup from Pat Corsiatto in Alberta preferring to find the quality close to home in Canada. "Jak" arrived in 1998 and has had a spectacular show career in both Canada and in the USA. Am looking forward to introducing a new bitch to my Weskyuwin kennel in 2003.

What are your strengths that you are bringing to the Council?
Strong organizational skills and a motivator (arm-twister? LOL) utilizing my experiences as a Recreation Therapist. Determined to make our PBGVFC a truly successful National Club that will meets the needs of ALL our members. Plenty of hands-on experience in "rescuing" similar organizations...skills I can put into good practise here. Proactive rather than reactive.

Prior Experience-officer, chairperson, committee work

• Held all positions in the Great Pyrenees Club of Canada and Alberta Pyreneans Club
• Served on the Newsletter Committee as Editor for several years, produced a Annual for the Great Pyrenees breed
• Chaired the Constitution and Bylaw Revision, and the Breed Standard Revision Committees for the GPCCanada, plus participated as Chairperson for several other Committees including our own Historic Preservation (Archives)
• Show Chairperson for the National Specialties of the GPCCanada and our own PBGVFC...both shows financially successful

I believe that the 3 areas of greatest concern of the PBGVFC should be....

1. Long term plan and goals - What does our membership want us to provide? How can we encourage membership growth?
2. Improved lines of communication - between the members and the Board of Directors, and from member to member.
3. Health and Genetics - protecting the quality of PBGVs in the future and the health and wellbeing of PBGVs today.

Looking forward to working together!