In May 1988 Neatha Robinson sent letters to various Terrier Breed Clubs in the Puget Sound area. There was sufficient response showing a definite interest in an All Terrier Club. Membership lists of various Terrier breed clubs were collected to make up a mailing list to further promotion of the Terrier Group club. At the November 1988 Whidbey Island Kennel Club show interested individuals were asked to attend an informal get-together to explore forming an All Terrier Club.
The first meeting was held at the Puyallup Kennel Club show, January 1989, with approximately 30 individuals attending. Several who voiced their interest in serving as officers and board to start the club formation process were selected to serve as interim officers. The following individuals made up the first panel: President: Lynne Myall, Vice President: Harry Hicks, Secretary: Janet Kerns, Treasurer: Diane Zollinger. The Board was made up of: Sheila Allen, Barbara Decker, and Billie Lou Robison.
On February 15, 1989 the 2nd meeting was held at the HARD NICKLE CAFÉ, Snohomish WA with 32 individuals attending and 29 joined. Several suggestions to name the Club were tendered for consideration and the name "ALL TERRIER CLUB OF WASHINGTON" was chosen by popular vote, on an interim basis. A total of $250.00 was collected from dues. Ten Terrier Breeds were represented at this meeting: Airedale Terrier, Bull Terrier, Fox Terrier – Smooth, Fox Terrier – Wire, Kerry Blue Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Welsh Terrier, and West Highland White Terrier.
Various ideas were presented as to the format and purpose of this new Club. Two avenues were explored: should the All Terrier Club be a consortium of Breed Clubs similar to Great Western in southern California, with the goal of having an All Terrier Club show, or to have individual members? A decision was made to opt for individual club membership, as many of the breeds in the Terrier Group did not have sufficient numbers to quality for a breed club in the Washington State area.
The next meeting was scheduled for March 15, 1989 at the Bellevue Library. The following officers and board member were elected: President: Lynne Myall, Vice President: Harry Hicks, Secretary: Diane Zollinger, Treasurer: Janet Kerns, Board Members: Tom Harrington, Barbara Decker, Sheila Allen, and Billie Lou Robison. A Constitution Committee was chosen and these were Ida Burnichon, Neatha Robinson, and Billie Lou Robison. The Club NEWSLETTER committee was formed consisting of: Diane Zollinger, Editor, and Patricia Waddoups and Neatha Robinson (mailing). It was decided that meetings would be held each month within a 50-mile radius of Seattle.
The first All Breed Fun Match was held September 1989, chaired by Dr. Vandra Huber at Norm’s Resort in Woodinville. It was a huge success as a fund-raiser, and the finances of the club took a much-needed turn for the better. Eileen and Bob Childress co-chaired the obedience competition. A wonderful luncheon was served chaired by Lynne Myall and Diane Zollinger, and a silent auction was held raising more funds. Entries were overwhelming!
Diane Zollinger as editor of the NEWSLETTER supplied a publication each month with business card advertising offered. Neatha Robinson became program chairman and due to requests of the membership, various breeds were featured at the club meetings with videos of the Terriers shown followed by discussion and live exhibits. Tom and Jeannine Harrington gave an Airedale presentation, Tom and Karen Godwin gave a presentation on the Cairn, and Elena Landa on the Soft Coated Wheaten. Other breed presentations followed during the year.
A Constitution committee was re-formed with Gilbert Robinson, Harry Hicks, Lynne Myall, and Bob Childress meeting at Lynne Myall’s home. The Constitution and By-laws were completed following the American Kennel Club’s recommended guidelines with an eye toward future approval.
Tom Harrington was elected President, and the first Winter All-Breed Fun Match was held on February 17, 1991 at the Evergreen Fairgrounds Rabbit Barn, chaired by George Elsis. Due to the inclement weather, entries were not expected to be as numerous as enjoyed at the first Fun Match. The All Terrier Club was inundated with over 600 entries. We ran out of room, out of entry blanks, out of ribbons, out of everything! An overwhelming success in every way!!
During the one day ‘Dog Daze’ promotion at the Puyallup Fair, the All Terrier Club had a booth with several Terriers on exhibit. There were many visitors stopping to ask questions about the dogs. Later that day we paraded 17 different breeds around the ring, and Tom Harrington narrated the origin and small bits about the breeds as they paraded solo, followed again by a group parade of all the Terriers present that day.
In 1992, the Annual Fun Match was held February 16th at the Evergreen Fairgrounds, chaired by Sheila Allen. A separate facility was used for ‘show and go’ obedience. The Rabbit Barn was used for conformation judging. With the wonderful weather, exhibitors enjoyed the day sunning themselves while waiting to go into the ring. There were well over 350 entries.
As the All Terrier Club goes into its 4th year, preparations are being made for a Sanctioned B/OB match under the new AKC Group Club Match rules.
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