Member Survey Results and Next Steps:

The survey asked members' opinions on a number of ideas the board had and asked members to comment and add their own ideas.  Over 60 members responded plus there was lively discussion on the AgileCAT list. The specific ideas that the Board put forth were: 

1. CAT could make a sizeable ($10,000?) to each of the Oregon and SW Washington Humane Societies.

2.  CAT could make a sizeable donation ($10,000 - $20,000?) to the Dove-Lewis Emergency Veterinary Hospital for the care of “ownerless” dogs or the dogs of those who cannot pay for the care.

 3.  CAT could provide “start-up” grants for equipment to new agility clubs in the Northwest.

 4.  CAT could buy equipment for a 4-H program that wants to do agility.

 5.  CAT could make a major grant ($10,000 - $20,000?) to “Project Pooch” – the program at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn that brings together juvenile offenders with dogs from local shelters and rescue groups.  The dogs are given obedience training so that they can be placed in permanent homes in the community.  The kids learn to take responsibility for training and caring for a dog.

 6.  The sport of Agility has changed over the years.  The courses have gotten faster and more technical.  We are asking more physically of our dogs but there is little understanding of the problems this can cause and how they might be remedied.  CAT could provide seed money ($20,000?) and take the initiative to organize a foundation that would seek donations from agility clubs throughout North America to support veterinary research into the causes and prevention of agility injuries. 

 7.  CAT could establish a fund to provide grants for rehab of K-9 athlete injuries for those who cannot afford the cost.

 8.  CAT could put on a series of Junior Handler Seminars and trials.

Members were asked to rank the top 3 ideas in order of priority.   The results are shown in the following chart. It shows the number first, second and third priority votes received by each idea.  The total number of votes each received is also shown on the figure.  For example, donation to the Humane Societies received 8 first place votes, 7 second place votes and 12 third place votes for a total of 27.  

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Even more important than the votes was the discussion.  To read what people had to say in responding to the survey, both in terms of comments on the options provided and their own ideas, click HERE.  To review the debate from the agileCAT list click HERE.

Here's what I (Dick Watson) take away from all this.

First, there were a number of ideas that came in that deserve consideration. Among them:

This does not come close to exhausting the list. 

Second, a lot of these ideas need further development.  For example, the idea of supporting research aimed at reducing agility injuries got a lot of support but it also needs a lot of work.   What's already going on out there?  Would other clubs be willing to join in funding a foundation?  How about commercial contributions, e.g. Iams etc?  How would it be administered? 

The same is true of the question of a fund for helping with vet and/or rehab bills for agility-related injuries.  What are the criteria?  Who decides? 

The idea of developing a facility also needs a lot of research to determine if it is feasible. 

So, where do we go from here?  First, the Board will be reviewing what came in to develop a list for further consideration.  Second, we will be asking people who support some of the ideas to take responsibility for researching them so the Club can make informed decisions.  If nobody is willing to put in the work, it's probably not an idea worth supporting. 

So, stay tuned.  We'll be back to get your views on more and more fully developed options in the coming weeks.

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