alling all Belgian competitors. The United Belgian Shepherd Dog Association (UBSDA), which is the AWDF "Belgian" connection, has a new Protection Sports Committee. Tami Stephenson, Augusta Farley and Ann Putegnat have been added to a committee that includes J.C. Balu and Gordon Jackson.

Our challenge is to connect with Belgian enthusiasts in the goal of promoting the working aspect of the breed. If you are currently competing with a registered or register-able Belgian, please contact one of us. Our hope is that you will become part of a growing network that includes other Belgian competitors in which you can be supported in your competitive goals.

This committee is primarily charged with the organization of teams for the AWDF Championship, the FCI All-Breed Championship and the Belgian Shepherd World Championship. Initially, the emphasis of our committee will be on Schutzhund competition. However, we urge the owner of any Belgian competing in any protection sport to support our "cause". Please join us in our effort to provide an avenue for National and International competition for our Belgians of all varieties.

Another of our goals is to raise funds to support the Belgian representatives on the UBSDA teams. Initially, we hope to generate $2,000 in 1999 to pay for uniforms, entry fees and shipping of dogs to Europe as our contribution for the teams' participation. Currently, our World Championship representatives must pay their way to these events, which is a huge burden to place on OUR representatives for the breed!!

If you would like to join UBSDA, contribute to the fund, or gain further information regarding the committee, please feel free to contact one of us. We are excited about being given this opportunity to put our Belgian Shepherds on the world map.

Tami Stephenson
FiloSch3@aol.com
(425) 432-7136

Augusta Farley
ducielroug@aol.com
(505) 471-6140

Ann Putegnat
annwp@swbell.net
(210) 695-4218