In Memoriam: Ratnip

It’s with a sad and very heavy heart to have to notify all of you that one of our own, Ratnip,
passed away on November 20.

Rat has been a monumental pillar in our community. He’s dedicated himself to the Seattle community ever since moving here. His presence will be missed.

Rat served on the Seattle Pups and Handlers for many years helping form the community,
create amazing events and help folks find home like he did here.

Rat also went on to form Pride Lives, a suicide prevention and awareness organization. Rat wanted to make sure that people had the resources in their time of need and make sure people knew that they where not alone.

Rat being a social creature himself, loved putting on events and parties. He joined FetchNW to continue what he loves the most his community.

We will miss your smiling face, your beautiful singing voice and your ability to brighten any room you walk into. May you find peace.

(Thank you to Nightcat for writing this memorial.)

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December’s Events

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VAN-PAH Holiday Mosh: Deck the Balls Out of Color

December 5, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Celebrate the holidays with VAN-PAH! Our holiday mosh will feature a costume contest for the best-dressed pup or handler! 

Deck the balls out of Color
Christmas balls and lights of color

1st place – 2 Squeak toy balls, $3.00 scratch ticket, and balls of chocolate,
2nd place – 1 squeak toy ball, $2.00 scratch ticket, and chocolate balls
3rd place – 1 squeak toy, $1.00 scratch ticket, and chocolate balls
4th place, – 1 squeak toy, and chocolate balls

Topic: VAN-PAH Virtual Monthly Mosh: Deck the Balls Out of Color
Time: Dec 5, 2020 02:00 PM Vancouver

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86736991856?pwd=OERQSGlJeHBqZVQ1NTN1WU9WdXRlZz09

Meeting ID: 867 3699 1856
Passcode: MH1205

Conference Call Etiquette Applies. Please mute your mic when not speaking or to lessen background noise!

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Extraordinary General Meeting

December 11, 7:00 PM

In anticipation of a virtual annual general meeting in 2021, several updates to the VAN-PAH Bylaws are required to facilitate online voting and ensure a seamless election of new directors. These changes require the approval of the members to be enacted.

To this end, VAN-PAH will hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) via Zoom on:

Friday, December 11, 2020
Sign-in opens at 6:45 PM
Meeting begins at 7:00 PM

Please note, only members in good standing may vote on resolutions. If you are not a member or your membership has not been renewed for 2020, visit vanpah.com/buy-renew-membership/. New memberships are $20 and renewing members can take advantage of the one-time, $0 renewal option enacted in response to COVID-19.

Membership applications and payment, if applicable, must be received before 6:00 PM on Wednesday, December 9 to be processed in time for the EGM.

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December Director’s Meeting

December 16, 7:00 PM

For any members interested in attending, our monthly Director’s meeting will be held Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 PM.

The meeting will include an open forum for members to voice their opinions, comments, questions, or suggestions about the current state of VAN-PAH.

Topic: VAN-PAH Monthly Directors’ Meeting
Time: Dec 16, 2020 07:00 PM Vancouver

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81574324011?pwd=VkNzWmRSNHhQZzJXSlc4NmsrVGZZUT09

Meeting ID: 815 7432 4011
Passcode: DM1216

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Member Event: New Year’s Eve, Online!

December 31

If you’re planning on being home and on the internet, why don’t you join Canadian Pets and Handlers for the count down to New Years, 3-4 times? Get really rid of 2020. We’ll have music and puppies and handlers pets of all kinds!

On discord on New Years Eve!
https://discord.gg/ABTKNK8EH4

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December’s News

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2021 Board of Directors Nominations

The current VAN-PAH Directors were appointed during 2020 and as such, their term will shortly be coming to an end.

New members are needed to step up to be on the board and help represent the membership while handling the day to day operations of VAN-PAH.

If you would like to be considered to be a Director of VAN-PAH, please send an email to vanpah@gmail.com by the end of day December 15, 2020. Please include your full legal name, why you would like to be a Director, and what skills you can bring to the organization.

All candidates will be vetted by the 2021 Nominations Committee before being presented to the membership prior to the AGM.

Please be aware that all potential nominee’s names will be communicated to the VAN-PAH membership as part of the election process leading up to the AGM in early 2021.

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Nominations Committee 2021

We are looking for VAN-PAH members to come join the Nominating Committee for the 2021 AGM.

This committee is responsible for reviewing submissions by members who want to become a Director of VAN-PAH. This committee will make recommendations to the current Directors prior to the 2021 AGM elections.

If you would like to contribute to this important function of our member-funded society, please email vanpah@gmail.com and let us know why you want to join the committee and please highlight what skills you can bring to the team. We encourage anyone interested to email as soon as possible.

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VAN-PAH Puppy and Handler of the Year Nominations

This year has been particularly challenging with the COVID-19 pandemic.  Even though we have not been able to gather in person since March, we have had many opportunities to gather in the virtual world.

It is that time of year where we ask you the membership for your Nominations for Handler of the Year and Puppy of the Year.  We understand the difficulties that this year has provided us, and all though we have indeed found it challenging, there are stories and events to be told that we, the Directors, are unaware of.  If you feel that a VAN-PAH member has gone above and beyond safely, now is your opportunity to help bring this member forward.

To nominate someone:

1. Send your nomination(s) to vanpah@gmail.com with “VAN-PAH Nominations” as the subject.
2. You can nominate as many people as you would like, you just have to include a reason why.
3. Nominations must be submitted by no later than the 15th of December, anything submitted after this period will not be counted.

Please note that the current Directors of VAN-PAH are not eligible for nomination for either of the awards.

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New Director: Welcome back Figaro!

We are happy to announce that Pup Figaro has stepped in to fill the vacant director position on the Board. Thank you and welcome back, Figaro!