Club History

The history of the West Volusia Kennel Club, Inc. is brief but noteworthy, it began with a handful of people that had taken the Basic Dog Obedience Course, offered by the Deland Parks and Recreation Dept. and didn't want to go home after the course was over.

They met in March of 1974 at Allyn Weigel's home to organize a club for people who were crazy about dogs. Charter members included Audrey Hires, Pinky and Clifford Johnson, Mark Kynett, Gloria Moses. Len Houman, Dave Kapral, Carol and Randy McAteer, Jan and David Nelson, Dorothy Sparks, Dave and Louise Smith, John and Marcia Walters, Carol Wesley, and Allyn and Joan Weigel. This group of people trudged through the business of establishing a Charter and Bylaws and looked forward to the fun of working their dogs.

Elected, as President for the 1974 year was Marcia Walters. Vice President was Pinky Johnson, Secretary, Louise Smith and the Treasurer was Allyn Weigel. The first Board of the West Volusia Kennel Club was comprised of Carol McAteer, David Smith, David Nelson, David Kapral, Mark Kynett, and Audrey Hires.

Carol Wesley became the Editor of our monthly Newsletter, the Canine Communiqué, where she keeps all members informed of the latest show wins and all of the latest doggie happenings

Mike Chertok took on the responsibility of having our Charter approved by the State of Florida. We are now recognized as a non-profit organization. The purpose of the West Volusia Kennel Club, as stated in the Charter, is to protect and advance the interest of purebred dogs, encourage sportsman-like competition at dog shows and conduct Sanctioned Matches, Dog Shows and Obedience Trials under the rules of the American Kennel Club.

Our first big project on our was to recognition by the American Kennel Club was a "fun match." A fun match is merely a dress rehearsal for a licensed point show. It is practice grounds for people aspiring to be licensed Judges, new handlers and inexperienced dogs and puppies. The first match was put together by Dave Kapral and Marcia Walters, assisted by Allyn Weigel as the Trophy Chairman. Tom Sperling and his stall at the Deland Parks and Recreation Dept. were a great help to the club. It was held on Oct. 20th, 1974 in Conrad Park. The weather cooperated and the match was a huge success. Entries totaled 326. A lot was learned and a good time was had by all.

Our annual meeting for the changing of Officers and Christmas Dinner was held in Dec., 1974. By that time our club membership had more than doubled and Officers for the 1975 were elected; Sandra Ponder became the new President, John Walters Vice-President, Dorothy Conard Secretary, and Mary Beal became the Treasurer. The new Board Members installed were Dorothy Sparks, Will Norman, Gordon Byrns, Ethel Patterson, Frances Hann and David Nelson.

Our first contribution towards the betterment of the community was a $55.00 donation to the Central Florida Zoological Society. Even though there are no purebred dogs in residence, we felt that it was a very worthwhile project.

After holding two rummage sales at a Flea Market in March 1975, we were able to present the Deland Police Dept. with a check for the purchase of Max, their first K-9 dog. The Orlando Police Dept. and Sgt. O'Dell put on a special demonstration, which was attended by over 100 members and guest, to show what Max and Sam Amicci, his handler, would be learning. Everyone that attended was impressed by the demonstration of these fine working dogs and their handlers.

Our second fun match was an even bigger success with 387 entries. It was held in April 1975 at Spec Martin Stadium with Marcia Walters in charge.

Matches will be a semi-annual occurrence, for the West Volusia Kennel Club for the next few years until we prove ourselves with the American Kennel Club. Then we will be able to hold licensed Dog Shows in which points towards Championships and obedience degree are earned.

The Training Committee is an important part of any dog club. Ours, headed up by Allyn Weigel, has worked very hard and very long on training techniques and preparing lesson plans. The first training classes began in May 1975, open to club members. Classes in Conformation (show ring training) and Obedience, open to the public, will be offered in the fall of 1975, at a nominal cost.

In the future we hope to be able to make contributions to the Humane Society and so many other dog-oriented organizations that need our support. We also plan to incorporate many educational programs and projects into our schedule, so that we may give back to the community that has given

so generously to us.

Submitted by Marcia P. Walters - 1976