With breed standards currently under Kennel Club
scrutiny, I am increasingly concerned at the number of unknown Dams and Sires of puppies being registered in the Breed Record Supplements. One wonders how much thought and research these owner/breeders put in to our breed.

We are only the caretakers of the Great Dane and I
fervently hope the health, construction and temperament do not suffer as a result of these novices.

During 2008 we had a number of Committee
meetings - our July meeting was held al fresco on a "rare" hot sunny day at Bere Farm - preceded by a
barbecue with a nominal charge made to raise money for South Western Dane Rescue. My thanks to Jenny
Wiltshire for also raising Rescue Funds at a Car Boot Sale and providing a collection box of her Grooming Premises.

In addition I should like to thank the family of the late
Mrs. Robbins for the monetary donation & the lovely
collection of Dane models and mementos to be sold in aid of our Rescue Service,

Finally it remains for me to thank the Officers and
Committee for their stalwart work throughout the year and to you the members for your continued invaluable support.

My best wishes to you all for 2009.  David Cottrell