1978 Highlights:

“Once again, an election time is upon us. I am rather surprised that there were not more candidates interested in guiding our organization.

 

"ASCA has grown immensely in the past few years. Many programs have been instituted to promote the Breed and maintain active interest in the club and the Breed. We have been very fortunate to have well-qualified people in the appointive positions to handle these problems.

 

“The Registry Offices are the items of greatest concern for the near future. Once again, we are receiving numerous letters of complaint that people are not receiving papers on dogs that the owners feel are overdue.

 

“This happened a couple of years ago, too. At that time, the Board of Directors agrees to compensate the Registrars at the rate of $1.00 per certificate issued. This fee was provided for the increase from $3.00 to $5.00 in registration fees at the Board meeting held in Scottsdale, Arizona, in late 1975. This action of paying the Registrars was met with howls of protest from segments of the membership.  Judy Taylor, at the time, volunteered her services and consequently the Registry was moved to her location.”

 

ASCA had over 6,000 Australian Shepherds registered at the time. “If the members of ASCA wish to continue a registry service in the future, plans must be made to protect the Registry now, before it is too late.

 

“In preparing club records for my successor, many old issues were once again jogging my memory. This led back once again to names, faces, and dogs, many of which are no longer with us. Some have become inactive, while others have found other avenues of interest. There are some though, that have continued to maintain their interest and enthusiasm for the club and the breed.

 

“There have been many dark days during the forming of our programs and policies when it seemed doubtful to many that ASCA could meet the challenge to survive much less to grow and prosper. You begin again to recall these dedicated people who stayed to meet the challenge of furthering the goals and mold the club into the progressive organization that it now is.

 

“Not many fanciers today remember the emergency Board meeting held in Redding, California, shortly after Elsie Cotton’s resignation from the presidential office. It was at that meeting where the then-Board members, Phil Wildhagen, the late Gwen Stevenson, and I, with about a dozen concerned fanciers, laid the ground work upon which our present day organization is functioning. Shortly afterward, a long list of new policies, programs, and incentive activities began to appear in the horizon. At that point in time, ASCA did not have the financial stability to fund these programs, and they would not have become a reality had it not been for the people who contributed so freely to support these endeavors.

 

“We are not able to pass on to our successors a complete set of programs, and a financially sound club. To our Directors, Appointed Officers, both past and present, and members who contributed to making this administration a success, I extend my sincere appreciation and thank you. It has been both a pleasure and honor to have served as President of ASCA for the past three years.
Sincerely, Ernest J. Hartnagle”

1978 ASCA National Finals High in Trial Bill Van Hecke with  Champion Las Rocosa Hecks Hud, Judges Bob Carrillo & Walter  Lamar

1978 National Finals High In Trial Left to right: Jeanne Joy  Hartnagle,  Billy Van Heck, Ernie Hartnagle, Elaine Hartnagle with Champion Las  Rocosa Heck's Hud