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ASHGI is proud to announce a new program for breeders, owners, supporters
and lovers of the Australian Shepherd:

"Ten Steps to a Healthier Australian Shepherd Breed"

1. I recognize that genetic disease is a longstanding fact in the Australian
Shepherd breed. Only through open and honest communication and sharing of
accurate information can we, the breeders and guardians of this breed,
improve the overall genetic health and significantly reduce the incidence of
genetic diseases in the breed we love.

2. I support the open disclosure of all health issues that affect the
Australian Shepherd, utilizing publicly accessible canine health registries
in the country of my residence whenever possible.

3. I openly and publicly disclose all information in my possession about the
health issues that have been produced by my dogs and dogs from my breeding,
and also those health issues where a significant risk factor may exist.

4. If I receive information about a new genetic issue in connection with my
dogs or breeding, I work to the best of my ability to notify the
purchasers/owners of dogs that are related to the dog with the new issue.

5. I support and assist other breeders in their disclosure efforts.

6. I do not speak ill of any breeder or breeding program that has produced
an affected Australian Shepherd.

7. I compassionately support and assist owners of affected dogs in the
gathering of information on the genetic diseases that have stricken their
dogs.

8. I support research studies for genetic diseases in Australian Shepherds,
submitting biological samples from dogs in my kennel or of my breeding when
they are available and applicable for the study. I encourage others to do
the same.

9. Before being bred, all of my dogs are DNA profiled with an accredited
laboratory and the results made public, if such services are available
within my country, or before my stock is exported to a country that has DNA
profiling available.

10. I will have my dogs screened for genetic diseases, as recommended on the
ASHGI web site, by veterinarians who have the proper certification. I
support the recording of test results in open registries and as they become
available to me, I will post my results. As new genetic tests for Australian
Shepherds become available, I will submit my breeding stock for those tests.

"10-Steps" is an ASHGI program. This program was lovingly created by the
members of the EpiGENES Discussion Group. The "10-Steps" program is
Whole-heartedly supported by Toby's Foundation.
This program is for people who want to join the effort to improve the
genetic health of the Australian Shepherd, and who support open health
information registries.

This initiative was launched by members of the EpiGENES, an international
discussion group formed in 2003, in cooperation with AussieGENES, to
candidly discuss the incidence of epilepsy in our breed and provide
information for owners and breeders seeking a community of sharing.

Focusing on improving the genetic health of the Australian Shepherd,
10-Steps" encourages accuracy and openness in sharing genetic information
among breeders and owners. Supporting "10-Steps" discourages destructive
and counterproductive secrecy and gossip, and facilitates the free flow of
information, vital in making informed breeding decisions. The "10-Steps"
narrative encompasses issues relevant to Aussie owners world-wide.

This effort consists of The "10-Steps" statement--ten steps that can be
taken by every supporter of this breed to move forward in breeding healthier
dogs, and is represented by an Aussie profile "Ask Tell" logo, identifying
those who support the program.

Pam Douglas, founder of Toby's Foundation, has graciously offered to host
the listing of every individual who lends support to this program. Those
who donate a nominal but meaningful contribution to the "10-Steps" Program
can be proud of making a significant difference in improving the health of
our breed.

Kim Monti is the Program Chair. If you have any questions, you may contact
her at: aussies@foxwoodkennel.com

This program will be launched at the ASCA Nationals in California. Stop by
ASHGI's booth if you are interested in learning more or signing on.

Supporters may choose either of two packages:
-- $10 donation for one "Ask Tell" logo pin, a full-color "10-Steps"
narrative placard suitable for framing, and one logo bumper sticker
-- $15 donation for one "Ask Tell" logo pin, a full-color "10-Steps"
narrative placard suitable for framing, one bumper sticker, plus an
e-file for web pages.

Additional "Ask Tell" logo pins may be purchased for $5 each, with a
purchase of one of the packages above. You may purchase the
packets at Nationals, or you may order them through the ASHGI
website. http://www.ashgi.org/tensteps/tensteps.htm

I am including the text for the "10-Steps" here; you will also see it in
our ads in the January editions of the Australian Shepherd Journal and the
Aussie Times.

_______________________________
C.A. Sharp
Pres. Australian Shepherd Health &
Genetics Institute, Inc.
http://www.ashgi.org
Editor, Double Helix Network News

See also: Toby's Foundation for more epilepsy information.

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