Foundation News

Update on POAG Testing
The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of California Davis now offers the POAG test for PBGVs.  It is very reasonably priced.  Learn more HERE.

President's Letter - May 2023

Important News about the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank
The AKC Purebred Preservation Bank is a canine frozen semen bank that was created in 2021 by the AKC Board of Directors. It is housed at multiple semen storage centers with experienced management and risk mitigation procedures. The Bank is to be used as a vital safety net if a breed finds itself in need of genetic rescue. It is to preserve the genetic heritage of all purebred dogs, but particular small population breeds - like the PBGV! You can read an excellent article explaining the need for such a semen bank, written by Jerold Bell, DVM, a canine geneticist. Click to read the ARTICLE.

Thank you, Kerrville!
In March, PBGV lovers gathered in Kerrville TX for conformation, agility, scent work, obedience and rally, and great Texan hospitality. To support our host city, the Foundation and PBGVCA together provided a donation to the Kerrville K9 program.

Here is a statement from Jonathan Lamb, Community Service Office, Kerrville Police Department:
"Our K9 is named Darby, after Brigadier General William Darby, a famous WW2 officer who is credited with being the “father” of the Army Rangers. Our K9 handler, Officer Jeff Robitaille (pronounced Roe-ba-tie) served as a Ranger (and helicopter pilot) in the Army prior to coming to work for KPD.

Our K9 program has been a long time coming, and we have been very fortunate to receive an overwhelming amount of support from the community, which enabled us to make the program a reality. COVID and supply chain issues delayed the launch of the program, but we are so pleased and excited that we will soon be able to get K9 Darby on the street.

Darby and OFC Robitaille will graduate today from the Hill Country Dog Center after a month long course of instruction that covered tracking, drug detection, apprehensions, handler protection, building and open space searches, and much much more. We are very proud of both members of the K9 team!

We’d also like to thank your organization for your generous donation. As you know, these programs are not cheap and there are always ongoing expenses. The support your organization provided allows us to provide the needed items to ensure we are able to equip Darby with the needed gear to serve this community. Thank you and please express our gratitude for the support to all."

 President's Letter - March 2023

Eye Exam Reimbursement
Good news! The eye exam reimbursement program has been extended through 2023. Learn how you can get reimbursed for having your PBGV's eyes checked by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Click HERE.

Board of Directors
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Foundation Board of Directors? The Board consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and between three and nine other persons. The term of office is two years beginning on the date of the annual meeting, which coincides with the PBGVCA National Specialty or occurs soon thereafter. Each Director must be a member in good standing of PBGVCA and a U.S. citizen. We ask that persons interested in becoming a Director submit an application, then participate in our conference calls over the course of one year before standing for election. Directors are elected at the annual meeting by majority vote.