Hello, my name is Jan Gabbard and
I've been your Breed Council Secretary for the past two years. I'm running for
re-election.
I have loved being your Breed Council
Secretary and have several accomplishments to celebrate.
1. I initiated the creation of the Breed
Council List, whereby members can discuss topics pertinent to our
breed council. Thus those who are members can have more input regarding breed
council issues. In the past, proposals have not been available to members
until they see the ballot. Now, all proposals are seen beforehand and can be
discussed on this site. The web address for the list is:
birmanbc@topica.com.
2. I initiated and directed the creation
of the Birman Breed Council website. The website contains information
about the breed, helpful links on health issues, and a members' only area that
is being developed. The url is
www.birmanbc.com. It can also be accessed by
a link on CFA's website.
3. I've attended all the major breed
shows.
4. I have held two or more breed council
meetings a year.
My background as a Birman breeder:
I have never considered breeding or showing any
other breed since making my decision for Birmans while living in Brussels,
Belgium before our move to England. I began my Birman career in 1983 while
living in England. I showed a female kitten in GCCF and was a member of the
Northumberland Cat Club. In 1984, we were transferred back to Cincinnati and
have been showing in CFA ever since. Thus, I am an experienced breeder and
still feel that Birmans are the one and only breed.
In the past, I have been on the board of both
SCBF and NBF. I have been in charge of rosettes for the Dallas NBF show for
the past several years. In my local cat club I have served as vice president,
treasurer, show secretary, show treasurer and held other show
responsibilities.
I show at the local and breed shows so that my
husband, Curt, can show extensively in many other regions.
My vision for the future:
It has long been a concern among Birman Breed
Council members that CFA will advance the mitted Ragdolls to Championship
status. With the help of others, I have done extensive research all the way
back to the beginnings of the Ragdoll. The information proved conclusively
that the Ragdoll breed did start with a Sacred Cat of Burma. I will
continue to communicate and emphasize the Birman Breed Council members'
position to CFA that this is a "look-alike" breed and should not be advanced.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I
hope you will vote for me for Breed Council Secretary.
Sincerely,
Jan Gabbard