What To Do If You Get Sued By Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton, Esq./Mediator Hamilton Law and Mediation, PLLC Happiness is never getting sued. However, when people are in conflict over an animal, deciding to sue is an easy choice. Usually none of the parties feel heard; their issues have not been adequately addressed. Deciding to work [...]
By Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton, Esq./Mediator Last month’s column talked about contracts and asked the following four questions: 1.) Did you read the contract you entered into with your breeder, buyer, leaseholder, handler or even the show superintendent? 2.) If you read the contract, did you understand all the terms and responsibilities enumerated and required? 3.) [...]
By Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton, Esq./Mediator The world of AKC dog shows seems to be ruled by contracts. We enter into oral or written contracts to buy, handle, register, breed, show, and co-own our dogs. A contract is an agreement entered into freely by two or more legally competent parties who have the capacity to exchange [...]
While flying to an event in Dallas, I read an article in the Delta Sky magazine about Mr. James Corden. I hardly ever read anything in a ‘Sky’-type magazine but I love James Corden so I dove right into the article. It talked about his explosive start on late night TV and how he didn’t re-invent the genre as much as created an atmosphere. He allowed his guests to trust him. I started thinking and realized that this would make a great topic for an article in The Canine Chronicle.
by Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton, Esq./Mediator Originally published: September 2014 For those of you reading this article, raise your hand if you are able to do one thing at a time to completion? Impossible? I am not so sure, but we believe we must multi-task to get everything done in a day. However, it does take [...]
“Why do we breed and show dogs?
It is certainly not to get rich.”
When you look around the dog show arena how many people in your breed are friends? How many people outside your breed do you know? Will you be able to count on all or most of these fellow competitors in an emergency? The camaraderie that comes with this sport knows no bounds. If I am on an airplane and hear someone talking about their show or performance dog I turn around and say hello. We are kindred spirits. I probably don’t know them. They may have a different breed of dog. However, there is this unspoken connection which enables you to engage in a conversation. We both speak a language and take part in a sport few people understand.
Nothing has captured the attention of the dog show world quite as effectively as social media…
It is an invaluable tool for keeping in touch with fellow breeders and owners/handlers who have our dogs. The quick and easy exchange of information on ring timing, assistance, emergency coverage and engaging immediate help for a dog or person who goes down, is invaluable. Many a life has been saved due to the quick actions taken via a post or directions obtained off Google+!
Social media also supports, for better or worse, the dissemination of misinformation. Difficult and unkind discussions, intentional or unintentional, are often publicly broadcast via chat rooms, breed groups, judges lists, and a myriad of other social media dog sites. These sites can carry this misinformation globally in a matter of seconds. Several dog show exhibitors have been victims of general social media gossip or worse.
People who find themselves in conflict rarely choose to address the problem. This is akin to taking a trip without checking out the best route to your destination.
How many of you have contributed to the AKCPAC? The AKC Canine Legislation Support Fund (CLSF)? Both groups work tirelessly to help educate candidates (PAC) and incumbents (CLSF) on the desired rights and responsibilities purebred dog owners and breeders want to see implemented or sustained.
Mediation is the art of conducting a discussion, voluntarily and confidentially, among participants in dispute. A mediator acts as a neutral third-party and facilitator in the room. Mediators allow the parties to tell their respective stories without interruption.
