President’s Message  September/October 2005 This has indeed been a sad time for BHCA, a time to reflect on the truly important things in life. It'll be difficult for many of us this coming Nationals to look up at the podium and not see Mary Ann Svizeny there in her ever gentle manner as Corresponding Secretary.  She never complained about the pressures of BHCA and plowed though emails and correspondence daily in her quiet and unassuming manner.  Her love for Tony and for her Bassets is what we'll remember the most. Many of us will be unable to fathom holding Nationals without the presence of Knox Williams.  Knox had been an outstanding breeder for longer than many of us would care to remember. His auctioneering talent raised thousands of dollars for Basset Hounds and for BHCA over the years; Knox’s fast-talking, quick thinking, always entertaining and endearing manner was much loved.  We'll never forget the Texas drawl and the big cigar that I don’t think I ever saw lit Losing Myer Bishop makes one realize how fleeting time is. The loss is compounded by the circumstance of not “really” knowing someone until they're gone.  Here is a young man, as stated who "loved life and spread light,” a man everyone should want to meet.  If he had a message for us today it would to get around and make an effort to know the people at the Nationals and at Basset events all over the country.  Find out about them and see what their "light" is all about.  Mary Ann Svizeny, Knox Williams, Myer Bishop – all will be sadly missed, as will those who have crossed over before them.  Our hearts go out to Tony, Bette and to the families and friends of Mary Ann, Knox and Myer everywhere. As a reminder, take a look at the committees represented on the honor roll.  Changes are continual and if you have an interest please contact the chair or board to make your wishes known.  After all it's the membership that drives our engine.  And speaking of additions, the board asks you to welcome aboard Gwen McCullagh who has been appointed to serve the remaining term as our Corresponding Secretary.  Gwen has served as a BHCA board member before and has a multiple of accreditations for this post.  The officers and board have every confidence Gwen will bring her talents, abilities and insight to the table.  We're fortunate to have her. WHAT WILL BHCA LOOK LIKE 15 YEARS FROM NOW IN 2020? This past weekend I met with Dr. Carmen Battaglia, a staunch advocate for the health and welfare of purebred dogs.  Carmen also serves the canine community as a member of the AKC board and has authored a multiple of books about breeding and is the CEO of the Companion Animal Recovery project now several years old. I'd like to share with you some of our conversation and thought provoking ideas for the future. Researchers are making headway in the identification and eradication of genetic disease through DNA testing.  Microchips may soon be able to hold information about parentage and genetic makeup. The day will come when our Bassets will be scanned as they enter the show ring and awards will be recorded and stored seconds after the ribbon is in hand.   Biologists tell us that they are working on ways to “break” genes for undesirable traits in the test tube – traits such as cancers, platelet disorders, glaucoma predisposition, hip and elbow dysphasia, etc.  The AKC tells us that registration numbers are dwindling and as a result we as purebred dog enthusiasts are losing our lobbying power.   According to the statistics, owning a purebred dog is no longer considered as “politically correct” as it used to be; the reverse philosophy of non-purebred is infiltrating our culture and affecting our laws.  As noble as it sounds, this is becoming a global problem and is bound to affect life, as we know it, in the dog community I’m asking that we keep an open mind about maintaining the integrity of our gene pool, while continuing to increase the number of Basset Hound fanciers in all venues and interests and welcoming them into this fine organization.  We all have the same goals, after all – that of producing better Basset Hounds coupled with better care. The future in 2020 - well, who really knows?  Will we be a membership of over 1500 or much less?  Will the increased availability of DNA data influence your breeding programs?  How about legislation influence?  Genetic engineering?  I’m reasonably certain that our future will include changes in health and welfare legislation, making it necessary for dedicated fanciers to work together for the common good of our Bassets. The different venues and interests will be faced with finding solutions to some very difficult questions. Remember to enjoy yourselves in MO, meet and interact with as many people and as many Basset Hounds as you can; spend some time outdoors in the field, at the tracking sites and agility ring, and remember what Myer would say,  “Bring your light and sunshine with you.”  Looking forward to seeing you in Eureka. Best regards, Thad Makowski