Weimaraner Club of the Washington D.C. Area

Virginia "Ginny" Alexander 6/9/1928 - 5/19/2011






From: Julianne Brooks Sent: Friday, May 20, 2011 8:09 AM Subject: Virginia "Ginny" Alexander 6/9/1928 - 5/19/2011 As most of you are aware we lost a dear friend yesterday. I apologize to those who are hearing this for the first time via E-mail. Yesterday was a LONG day but we (Holly McKnight and I) were able to spend time with her son and daughter-in-law who were with her throughout the night. They moved her into her son's home at 1pm Wednesday, hospice came in to help make her comfortable, Ginny let her mind go sometime throughout the night and her body left at 9:55am yesterday morning. She was tired and wanted to go...she was ready to go. The last friend she spoke with was Sionee, Ginny's friend, companion and caretaker for the past 8 years. It was because of her visit, Ginny was able to go to the Lord peacefully. There will be no public service by the family at this time. Ginny's wishes were to be sprinkled over the field grounds in Ardmore Oklahoma where our National Field Trials are held every December. Her family will hold a public memorial this year at Ardmore where her wishes will be followed through. Ginny was successful throughout her life as an accomplished Author, Geneticist, Speaker, Wife, Mother, Grandmother and most importantly to us....Friend and Mentor. We ALL thought she would be with us forever, she was stubborn like that, yet she left this earth like she lived it.....on her terms! Her loss will be felt for many years to come, but she left her legacy in the breed she loved. The Rainbow Bridge will have a line 5 miles long the next few days for it's now filled with Weimaraners greeting their long awaited master. In lieu of flowers, her family asks you donate to a charity of your choice in Ginny's name. Some suggestions that Ginny would be proud of are as follows: The WCA Weimaraner Foundation Fund: Education Fund Field Fund Health Fund Rescue Fund Checks made payable to: Weimaraner Foundation Fund C/O Michael Anderson 6500 McCleary Road Stewartstown, PA 17363 (please specify which fund you would like to donate to in the memo field on your check) Your local Weimaraner Rescue (http://www.weimclubamerica.org/about/alphaclubs.html) Warren County Humane Society (or your local Humane Society) Blue Ridge Hospice (www.blueridgehospice.org) Any other worthy cause of your choice We have lost a beloved friend and mentor this week and the loss with be with us for a long time. I was honored to know and befriend such a classy lady who, not only, introduced me to the wonderful world of Weimaraners but who gave two "girls" who mean the world to me. I believe Ginny is currently sitting ringside at the National Specialty in Ohio today watching and smiling at all the gray boys and girls strutting their stuff. God Bless you Ginny. WE LOVE YOU! Julianne Brooks

So, you're thinking of getting a Weimaraner?

First consider that the decision to get any dog is not something to be taken lightly. Please read Before You Get a Dog.

Are you thinking of getting a Weimaraner? It is important to do some research to help decide if this breed suits your lifestyle.

Crate training is a must- as is obedience training, and daily exercise. This is a 10 - 15 year commitment and should not be taken lightly.

Weimaraners are very smart, very stubborn, and have lots of energy. They are good with kids, although they do tend to (un-intentionally) knock over the little ones during bursts of excitement.

You will need lots of time, patience, energy and determination in order to "tame" this beast. The Weimaraner's "adolescent stage" can sometimes last years. This is probably why many say that the Weimaraner is not a dog for beginners. When trained properly, you will end up with the best darn personal gun dog/canine companion/couch snuggler you've ever had. If you don't follow the training and exercise regimen seriously from the get-go - then by the time your pup is just six months old, you may end up having your home and your life ruled by a wild gray banshee from hell!

Daily vigorous exercise is recommended - Frisbee, jogging, biking, or an off-lead romp in a safe area.

Weimaraners are very social, and want to spend all their time at their master's side. If you are looking for a lawn ornament or a back-yard dog, then the Weimaraner is definitely NOT the breed for you.

Make sure that you read The Gray Ghost Weaves Its Spell, an excellent comprehensive and concise article about Weimaraners. After that, you may wish to get another opinion about whether you really want to own a Weimaraner. Here are some more words of wisdom that you must read Before You Get a Weimaraner.

If you become convinced that the Weimaraner is indeed the right breed for you, then you need to learn How to Choose a Responsible Breeder. The best place to find responsible breeders is at dog shows and through your local Weimaraner Club. Never buy a dog from a pet store. Pet store dogs come from puppy mills.

You may also want to consider adopting an older Rescue Weimaraner (check out Joanne's story). Visit the DC Area Weim Rescue and the Weimaraner Club of America's Rescue Website.

After you obtain your Weimaraner, your breeder is your best resource for information about your dog. The next best resource is The Weimaraner Manual.