Club History, Mission, and Bylaws The idea for the Waterloo Amateur Retriever Club (WARC) started in January of 1997. The Smiley’s held a Super Bowl party in which the Greer’s, and Garcia’s attended. During the party we discussed forming a new club, and an action plan was created. Soon after, phone calls were made to key members of the community to drum up support for the idea. During the next three months, discussions were held during weekly training sessions, and at local hunt test held that spring. We were able to "sell" our idea to many of the area clubs before the first WARC meeting. The first official meeting took place on May 20, 1997, and we had 18 excited people gather to vote unanimously to support the club and it’s future. Since that fateful day, we have held monthly meetings in which WARC’s Articles of Incorporation, By-laws and Code of Ethics were created, and the club was registered with the State of Texas. All the above was approved by the club at the August meeting. The clubs next objective was to raise money to obtain insurance as well as fund the club's newsletter. These goals were accomplished by selling raffle tickets this summer/fall for a chance at a great shotgun. We are currently selling koozies to save for equipment purchases. Weekly training continues. August 1997 Bill and Lynn Teague were invited to conduct a handler's seminar for club members, and hunting enthusiast. We held a mock hunt test in January 1998 with cooperation of the Austin Golden Retriever Club, Alamo Retriever Club and Heart of Texas Labrador Retriever Club. February 1998 we had a beginner’s training seminar put on by Karl Gunzer. Everything went so well that we decided to book him for May 30 (topic: Water handling) and November 1 (topic: Marking Concepts). For this summer we are planning on another handler’s seminar for August. Part of the club's mission is to have at least two training days a year in which a pro trainer or experienced judge is present. We have plans to exceed this schedule for this year, due to popular demand. Education is another goal of WARC. During our July meeting the guest speaker was a local veterinarian who discussed first aid in the field. The October meeting guest speaker was a dynamic trainer for the Southwest Guide Dog Foundation who discussed their program. June meeting we have William McLeroy with Taurus training to discuss various behavioral issues. Future meeting will include Retriever breeding and further handler seminars. The clubs out-reach goals were fulfilled last year at the Texas Wildlife Expo. Club members worked the booth, and held demonstrations. We are currently working with all the AKC retriever clubs in Texas on setting up one large meeting this summer to discuss a number of ideas. Including a Texas web site, working together on bidding for Master National, better communication, etc…. After 1998... From humble beginnings, Waterloo Amateur Retriever Club has evolved into a healthy organization. About 40 individuals were members in 1998, the membership has nearly tripled by 2002. Most of our members live near Austin and the Central Texas area. But some of the original founders/members have left the area ...David, Jennifer and Gavin Smiley to Virginia, Jane Hewitt to Oregon, among others. WARC's mission is still the same...training, education, and providing resources for all members to enjoy. Although the organization's focus is specifically on the retriever and field training, WARC is indeed blessed to have many members who participate in a wide range of activities. They include breeding, conformation, agility, tracking and obedience. These members and their varied interests provide a diversified perspective on retriever training and issues. The monthly meeting provides educational opportunities. Our guests have included many professionals. Topics have been nutrition, varied medical issues, "In-The-Field first aid, field trial and hunt test comparisons, specific training topics, and hunting (for example, Duck ID, a club favorite). The club now has a leased property for training and one session per week is designated as "club training". WARC is fortunate to have several knowledgeable members who have been willing to provide assistance and advice. Activities have varied during the club training day and have included setups (which are adjusted and run by any level dog), puppy groups, basic obedience sessions, and some general drills. What makes Waterloo exceptional is that it truly is a group effort during training! Success is evidenced by the number of passes and titles earned by club members (see Wags 'n Brags). Each year WARC has hosted a spring and a fall AKC hunt test. During the early years, it was necessary for WARC to borrow equipment for these tests. During 2001 and 2002, an equipment trailer was purchased and the needed equipment was purchased or made (see Photos). Once again, members with a vision provided the guidance and sweat to accomplish this important goal! At least once a year, a training seminar is planned. Other activities now include a "Top Gun" competition, pheasant/chukar shoots, trap/skeet outings (to brush up on shooting skills), a Picnic DQ, Snake avoidance/microchip clinic, the holiday/awards banquet and a summer picnic.