My sincerest thanks and admiration to all of you for a well organized and wonderful weekend.
Thank you for your great hospitality. It was a privilege to get to spend time with everyone and their
Icelandic dogs.
I also want to send my best to all the judges who took time to get acquainted with the Icelandic
Sheepdog.
I also miss all of you,
Guðrún.
This is just a short e-mail to thank you and the board of the ISAA so much for a wonderful weekend at
the first National Speciality, in Wauseon. I think you are doing such an important job in USA for the
breed and I know that the steps taken throughout the National are the first ones into a new and bright
future for dogs, owners and breeders.
I enjoyed every minute of your program and it really surpassed my expectations. The location was
lovely and so were both people and dogs. The variety of seminars and events was great and I admire
you for all the effort you put into it.
Most of all, I was surprised to see how well everything was organized. It is amazing how a small and
relatively young club like yours can organize such a great event. The organisation was superb from A to
Z. Everything was very professional. Thumbs up for all of you who made it happen!
I will write an article; both for Iceland and the other ISIC countries about your National, but words will
never catch the spirit of joy, ambition and love for the breed, which I felt in Wauseon.
I just wanted to thank you so much. You did a wonderful job and I am so happy to see how much you
guys care about the breed.
Please send my best regards to all the members of the board. You are great! ! !
With my warmest regards, Brynja.
PS. I think this is the first time a huge event like this has been organized around the Icelandic Sheepdog
and I was impressed to find out that 14 new US judges will be judging the breed in the near future. The
ones I talked to were very satisfied with the education given and the organisation.
--
Með kveðju, Brynja
www.griffon.is
First, let me say what a wonderful job you and your fellow fanciers did with the seminar and your first
ever National Specialty. ... What a thrill it was to be able to attend. I thoroughly enjoyed the [judges
education] seminar as well as watching the judging with Pat Putnam and the other student judges. It was
an incredible opportunity to lean about your delightful breed. I would also add that it was also extremely
valuable to our learning about the Icelandic Sheepdog to hear Guðrún Ragnars Guðjohnsen's seminar as
well as her comments to the judges after she had completed her judging and placing of the dogs in each
class.
Thank you so much, and, again, a hearty congratulations on a job superbly done.
My best, AKC Judge Rita Biddle
Thanks again for a fabulously organized National. It was such a great success. - participant
There was a lot of effort and enthusiasm in producing the national event and with great results - it was a
wonderful weekend. Congratulations to the organizers and volunteers that made it all work. I am so
glad we made the trip across the border to meet such lovely dogs and such friendly people who own
them. Thank you to everyone for being so welcoming. I definitely plan to attend the next National!
best regards
Laura F.
Solhundur Iceland Sheepdogs
A thank you to you and the club
I want to thank you and all the ISAA members who participated this past weekend in Wauseon, Ohio,
at your first National Specialty. Despite the rather chilly weather, everyone was warm hearted and
enthusiastic. You certainly made an impression on all my kennel club members and many exhibitors and
interested onlookers.
All the events were so well organized and attended. The seminar was outstanding thanks to the
expertise of Guðrún (my mentor). The judges were in awe of her presentation and immediately fell in
love with the breed. That was my hope going into the shows....,that others could learn to appreciate the
breed and fall in love with their temperaments and personalities.......just as I did, many years ago.
It was also fascinating to hear Pat reminisce about her magical days with Mark Watson. We were all
so very blessed to have Guðrún and Pat with us.....an honor and pleasure, to be sure.
I want to thank Donna who is not only a wonderful and genuine person, but absolutely the best
organizer I have had the pleasure to work with. I remember our first telephone conversation when the
National was still just a thought. I never expected that "thought" would become such a memorable
experience. Every minute was planned to perfection and best of all, the dogs were always the focus.
Also, a big thank you to all the board and participants who came from near and far to make the First
ISAA National so special.
I hope to see all of you again one day soon.
Warmest regards and hugs to the dogs,
Diane Anderson
A stellar event! To be a part of the first ISAA National was an honor. Cudos and Hurrahs! to the
Board of Directors, thank you for having faith in your President, Donna McDermott, her drive and love
of the Icelandic Sheepdog gave her an enthusiasm for this event that was contagious! The Board of
Directors worked very hard to assure success. My thanks to everyone who participated: the Seminars
were well chosen and superbly given; I especially loved watching the Icelandic Language competition.
Everyone was having fun and getting an education at the same time. I will never forget meeting Guðrún,
the opportunity to share in her knowledge was priceless. Diane's background and expertise judging
Icelandics was excellant. The dogs were so wonderfull, thank you all for the time and expense you put
forth to bring your dogs and show to us! Thanks to the ISAA members who so generously gave of
their talents, Lori Spink-Ring Steward; Tricia and her Mom were invaluable in the CGC Test; Holly
who made the unique tiles; the family from N.Y. who moved chairs from building to building - you are
all responsible for the success of this 1st Icelandic Sheepdog National Specialty.
Pat Putman
Hi everyone!!!
I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for putting on such an outstanding event. You have
made history and a huge precedent which all of us will benefit from. Thank you, thank you, thank you...
Love to all of you,
-Lori, Lulu and Bosi Spink
I would like to take this time to express a few of my thoughts and feelings on the experience I had at
this first National Specialty Event of the Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America.
As a member of the ISAA, I decided to attend the First National Specialty in Wauseon, Ohio after
seeing the agenda and realizing the learning opportunity that was in front of me. I thought it might also
be a chance for me to get some candid and expert feedback to the breed standard. Knowing that there
were going to be expert judges on the Icelandic Sheepdog, I said to myself, “if there is a chance to get
some first-hand, expert knowledge on the breed, then this is it”.
I had no preconceived notions of what to expect, but I can tell you that from the get go the owners
were friendly, the facility was accommodating and the dogs were amazing. For a first time national
event for a dog breed, the event organizers were superb: thorough, thoughtful and communicated
everything we needed to know. Simply, the organization was unbelievable. In all honesty, I don’t think
I appreciated the hard work that went into this until I was on the road home, and still realize it more
each day.
I would love to mention all the names of the people that worked their “tail-feathers” off putting this
show on. But I’m not great with names, and it’s probably not a good idea to recognize specific
individuals only to accidently forget someone or to spell their name wrong. They know who they are,
and my appreciation goes out to all of them.
Some of the highlights for me were meeting and listening to the judges’ comments on the dogs. “Wow”,
these people really know what they’re talking about. The insights shared from their perspective really
make you appreciate the subtleties that differentiate one dog from another – and how one small thing
can move the dog up or down on any given day. As a “novice”, I had to contain my nervousness - then
I really began to absorb the information. It wasn’t only the judges whose information on the breed that
were beneficial, but also the various owners that were quick to help and give valuable information on
the proper handling of the dog and behavioral tips.
Without a doubt, I have to say that the biggest honor I felt was being in the presence of Gudrún
Guðjohnsen. I had read about her years of experience with Icelandic Sheepdogs, and her remarkable
credentials with the breed. I thought to myself, “This remarkable lady is from the “homeland” and
nothing is going to get by her.” In spite of what I had read and researched, little did I realize her depth
of knowledge and standing in the international community with respect to the breed. It seems like each
time I read a new article I gain even more appreciation for what was happening in Ohio in October of
2009.
It wasn’t only her remarkable knowledge on the breed that amazed me, but her character.
I said to my husband when I got back home, “I want to go to Iceland and curl up on Gudrún’s couch
with a blanket, a hot cup of tea, and let her tell me stories of old Iceland.” She reminded me of the
grandmother that everyone wants. I didn’t know if hugging her was appropriate in the ring, but she told
me that it was, and she did – what a great feeling!
While I am really excited about the recognition that Ljotur received at this first National event and the
outstanding organization and dedication to the breed that made it possible, there’s always one thing that
could have made it even better. In the best interests of the breed, I would have liked to have seen there
was a broader representation of the community that is the ISAA and the marvelous dogs that are a part
of it. I would love to see the whole USA represented. Let’s bring them all together and make the next
national an even bigger Icie gathering.
Thanks again for a thrill of a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Ken, Julie, Aaron, and Ljotur Gluck
Hi - Now that I'm caught up from being away from work I wanted to drop a
note and properly thank the board and everyone who made this event happen.
This was so well run I would never have thought this was the first time.
The quality of the speakers was tremendous and the information I learned
about the breed and my dogs was invaluable. Thank you , thank you, thank you.
regards,
Tina Carney
Snorri and Elska's Mom
Thank you for your great hospitality. It was a privilege to get to spend time with everyone and their
Icelandic dogs.
I also want to send my best to all the judges who took time to get acquainted with the Icelandic
Sheepdog.
I also miss all of you,
Guðrún.
This is just a short e-mail to thank you and the board of the ISAA so much for a wonderful weekend at
the first National Speciality, in Wauseon. I think you are doing such an important job in USA for the
breed and I know that the steps taken throughout the National are the first ones into a new and bright
future for dogs, owners and breeders.
I enjoyed every minute of your program and it really surpassed my expectations. The location was
lovely and so were both people and dogs. The variety of seminars and events was great and I admire
you for all the effort you put into it.
Most of all, I was surprised to see how well everything was organized. It is amazing how a small and
relatively young club like yours can organize such a great event. The organisation was superb from A to
Z. Everything was very professional. Thumbs up for all of you who made it happen!
I will write an article; both for Iceland and the other ISIC countries about your National, but words will
never catch the spirit of joy, ambition and love for the breed, which I felt in Wauseon.
I just wanted to thank you so much. You did a wonderful job and I am so happy to see how much you
guys care about the breed.
Please send my best regards to all the members of the board. You are great! ! !
With my warmest regards, Brynja.
PS. I think this is the first time a huge event like this has been organized around the Icelandic Sheepdog
and I was impressed to find out that 14 new US judges will be judging the breed in the near future. The
ones I talked to were very satisfied with the education given and the organisation.
--
Með kveðju, Brynja
www.griffon.is
First, let me say what a wonderful job you and your fellow fanciers did with the seminar and your first
ever National Specialty. ... What a thrill it was to be able to attend. I thoroughly enjoyed the [judges
education] seminar as well as watching the judging with Pat Putnam and the other student judges. It was
an incredible opportunity to lean about your delightful breed. I would also add that it was also extremely
valuable to our learning about the Icelandic Sheepdog to hear Guðrún Ragnars Guðjohnsen's seminar as
well as her comments to the judges after she had completed her judging and placing of the dogs in each
class.
Thank you so much, and, again, a hearty congratulations on a job superbly done.
My best, AKC Judge Rita Biddle
Thanks again for a fabulously organized National. It was such a great success. - participant
There was a lot of effort and enthusiasm in producing the national event and with great results - it was a
wonderful weekend. Congratulations to the organizers and volunteers that made it all work. I am so
glad we made the trip across the border to meet such lovely dogs and such friendly people who own
them. Thank you to everyone for being so welcoming. I definitely plan to attend the next National!
best regards
Laura F.
Solhundur Iceland Sheepdogs
A thank you to you and the club
I want to thank you and all the ISAA members who participated this past weekend in Wauseon, Ohio,
at your first National Specialty. Despite the rather chilly weather, everyone was warm hearted and
enthusiastic. You certainly made an impression on all my kennel club members and many exhibitors and
interested onlookers.
All the events were so well organized and attended. The seminar was outstanding thanks to the
expertise of Guðrún (my mentor). The judges were in awe of her presentation and immediately fell in
love with the breed. That was my hope going into the shows....,that others could learn to appreciate the
breed and fall in love with their temperaments and personalities.......just as I did, many years ago.
It was also fascinating to hear Pat reminisce about her magical days with Mark Watson. We were all
so very blessed to have Guðrún and Pat with us.....an honor and pleasure, to be sure.
I want to thank Donna who is not only a wonderful and genuine person, but absolutely the best
organizer I have had the pleasure to work with. I remember our first telephone conversation when the
National was still just a thought. I never expected that "thought" would become such a memorable
experience. Every minute was planned to perfection and best of all, the dogs were always the focus.
Also, a big thank you to all the board and participants who came from near and far to make the First
ISAA National so special.
I hope to see all of you again one day soon.
Warmest regards and hugs to the dogs,
Diane Anderson
A stellar event! To be a part of the first ISAA National was an honor. Cudos and Hurrahs! to the
Board of Directors, thank you for having faith in your President, Donna McDermott, her drive and love
of the Icelandic Sheepdog gave her an enthusiasm for this event that was contagious! The Board of
Directors worked very hard to assure success. My thanks to everyone who participated: the Seminars
were well chosen and superbly given; I especially loved watching the Icelandic Language competition.
Everyone was having fun and getting an education at the same time. I will never forget meeting Guðrún,
the opportunity to share in her knowledge was priceless. Diane's background and expertise judging
Icelandics was excellant. The dogs were so wonderfull, thank you all for the time and expense you put
forth to bring your dogs and show to us! Thanks to the ISAA members who so generously gave of
their talents, Lori Spink-Ring Steward; Tricia and her Mom were invaluable in the CGC Test; Holly
who made the unique tiles; the family from N.Y. who moved chairs from building to building - you are
all responsible for the success of this 1st Icelandic Sheepdog National Specialty.
Pat Putman
Hi everyone!!!
I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for putting on such an outstanding event. You have
made history and a huge precedent which all of us will benefit from. Thank you, thank you, thank you...
Love to all of you,
-Lori, Lulu and Bosi Spink
I would like to take this time to express a few of my thoughts and feelings on the experience I had at
this first National Specialty Event of the Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America.
As a member of the ISAA, I decided to attend the First National Specialty in Wauseon, Ohio after
seeing the agenda and realizing the learning opportunity that was in front of me. I thought it might also
be a chance for me to get some candid and expert feedback to the breed standard. Knowing that there
were going to be expert judges on the Icelandic Sheepdog, I said to myself, “if there is a chance to get
some first-hand, expert knowledge on the breed, then this is it”.
I had no preconceived notions of what to expect, but I can tell you that from the get go the owners
were friendly, the facility was accommodating and the dogs were amazing. For a first time national
event for a dog breed, the event organizers were superb: thorough, thoughtful and communicated
everything we needed to know. Simply, the organization was unbelievable. In all honesty, I don’t think
I appreciated the hard work that went into this until I was on the road home, and still realize it more
each day.
I would love to mention all the names of the people that worked their “tail-feathers” off putting this
show on. But I’m not great with names, and it’s probably not a good idea to recognize specific
individuals only to accidently forget someone or to spell their name wrong. They know who they are,
and my appreciation goes out to all of them.
Some of the highlights for me were meeting and listening to the judges’ comments on the dogs. “Wow”,
these people really know what they’re talking about. The insights shared from their perspective really
make you appreciate the subtleties that differentiate one dog from another – and how one small thing
can move the dog up or down on any given day. As a “novice”, I had to contain my nervousness - then
I really began to absorb the information. It wasn’t only the judges whose information on the breed that
were beneficial, but also the various owners that were quick to help and give valuable information on
the proper handling of the dog and behavioral tips.
Without a doubt, I have to say that the biggest honor I felt was being in the presence of Gudrún
Guðjohnsen. I had read about her years of experience with Icelandic Sheepdogs, and her remarkable
credentials with the breed. I thought to myself, “This remarkable lady is from the “homeland” and
nothing is going to get by her.” In spite of what I had read and researched, little did I realize her depth
of knowledge and standing in the international community with respect to the breed. It seems like each
time I read a new article I gain even more appreciation for what was happening in Ohio in October of
2009.
It wasn’t only her remarkable knowledge on the breed that amazed me, but her character.
I said to my husband when I got back home, “I want to go to Iceland and curl up on Gudrún’s couch
with a blanket, a hot cup of tea, and let her tell me stories of old Iceland.” She reminded me of the
grandmother that everyone wants. I didn’t know if hugging her was appropriate in the ring, but she told
me that it was, and she did – what a great feeling!
While I am really excited about the recognition that Ljotur received at this first National event and the
outstanding organization and dedication to the breed that made it possible, there’s always one thing that
could have made it even better. In the best interests of the breed, I would have liked to have seen there
was a broader representation of the community that is the ISAA and the marvelous dogs that are a part
of it. I would love to see the whole USA represented. Let’s bring them all together and make the next
national an even bigger Icie gathering.
Thanks again for a thrill of a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Ken, Julie, Aaron, and Ljotur Gluck
Hi - Now that I'm caught up from being away from work I wanted to drop a
note and properly thank the board and everyone who made this event happen.
This was so well run I would never have thought this was the first time.
The quality of the speakers was tremendous and the information I learned
about the breed and my dogs was invaluable. Thank you , thank you, thank you.
regards,
Tina Carney
Snorri and Elska's Mom
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