In response to the article written on the ESSFTA announce message board about Dr. Cindy Wheeler, Justamuc GunDog Training Center has decided to hold a special training day with proceeds going to Cindy’s care. Cindy was a long time client of Hal’s, introducing her spaniels to field work and eventually running in hunt tests and gaining titles. Many times, Cindy offered reduced rate eye clinics for our Great Lakes club. She was always more than willing to help promote good eye health in all of our dogs. When we found out about what others were doing (read the article below), we also wanted to do something. "Cynthia Wheeler, DVM, ACVO began breeding and exhibiting English springer spaniels in the 70's under the Mystic prefix. Cindy has always been challenged by innovations in veterinary medicine and diseases of the eye. Sadly, for the past two years, Cindy has been fighting a hard, nasty, draining battle with cancer. In the course of this battle, her leg has been amputated; she's had spots removed from her lungs, stomach, rib cage and her other leg." For the past several years, Hal has held summer training classes for all breeds of sporting dogs - and even some not so sporting dogs. His summer training program has been quite successful, holding classes three nights a week, one morning and on occasional Saturdays. Clients pay for his guidance, instruction and for birds. On Saturday, May 6, 2006, we will hold a training day here at Justamuc beginning at 8:30AM and concluding when the last dog has run. The fee to "train under guidance" on this day will be $20 per person plus the cost of live birds. All breeds are welcome. All proceeds will be donated toward Cindy’s care. We expect many folks will come out this day, spaniels and non- spaniels alike. If folks are not able to attend, we will accept their donation and forward it along with the proceeds of the day. It’s incredible how "pay it forward" can work. In response to our email to Hal’s clients, one person with cockers and Australian shepherds has now posted Cindy’s information to the Michigan Australian Shepherd Club. Many who will come to our training day may not know Cindy personally, but probably did have their dogs eyes checked by her. We hope that the turnout will be great and that we can in some small way help to defray some of her expense. For those interested in helping, you can write a checks to 'Hal Standish' at the Justamuc address, below. Many are doing other things... like selling on ebay. I wonder what other imaginations can develop toward this cause. Are there groomers out there that would donate fees from a day’s grooming sessions? Boarding kennels... could you give one days fees of boarding? Trainers... could you donate one day’s fees from any classes that you offer? Obedience, Agility, Tracking? Cindy has been involved in all venues of spanieldom, not to mention what she’s done for the breed. Maybe some can give back. I hope you will read her information as posted by the ESSFTA. Cordially, Nancy Standish Justamuc GunDog Training Center 15274 Gleason Rd Three Rivers MI 49093 Members of the English springer spaniel fanciers community have banded together to list items on eBay to benefit Dr. Cynthia Wheeler.  You can find all of the items listed by the eBay UserID:  helpdrcindy - we will be adding new items every Sunday night. Many of the items are springer related and this is a great opportunity to get unique springer collectables for your collection.  By purchasing the items listed in these Ebay auctions you can be assured 100% of these dollars less Ebay listing expenses will go directly to Cindy. Cynthia Wheeler, DVM, ACVO began breeding and exhibiting English springer spaniels in the 70's under the Mystic prefix.  Cindy has always been challenged by innovations in veterinary medicine and diseases of the eye.  Sadly, for the past two years, Cindy has been fighting a hard, nasty, draining battle with cancer.  In the course of this battle, her leg has been amputated; she's had spots removed from her lungs, stomach, rib cage and her other leg. For someone who has dedicated her life to purebred dogs and keeping them healthy through genetic testing and research, she is now forced to turn to members of the dog fanciers' community and pet lovers everywhere to help.  Her lifelong love affair with our breed has motivated her to do more than just breed beautiful dogs.  Repeatedly, she has given back to the dog community as a member of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. In addition to her private practice, Cindy holds reduced cost eye clinics across the country.  She has researched many canine eye diseases over the years and has served on the ESSFTA health and genetics committee as well as many others in her professional organizations. Cindy is a hard working professional who loves her career.  She would like nothing better than to escape the hospital setting and resume her veterinary practice, but for now, as she faces the battle of recovery, the reality is she cannot work. Why the auctions?  Cindy has excellent insurance, but as a self-employed professional, she pays handsomely for it.  She has high co-payments as well as limited prescription coverage.  Her out of pocket expenses add up to thousands of dollars a month.  Friends and family are pursuing other avenues to assist in these expenses but today in the here and now, Cindy is overwhelmed with the prospect of not having a livelihood and the daily expenses and charges that face her. Cindy is moved beyond words by this and other gestures.  It is our hope that this support will allow her to focus on getting better.  One cannot put a price tag on good health or peace of mind.   We all wish her both. If you have items or services you would like to donate, please contact us at Peace, Monica Bowers President, MAESSR