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 The
mission of the Gompa Lhasa Apso Preservation Program is
to rescue, preserve and perpetuate the genetic lineage of the Gompa Lhasa Apso. A small population
management program calls for a cooperative effort
between the directors, hosts of the dogs, breeders
of Apsos - both Gompa Lhasa Apsos and modern Lhasa Apsos
- and general fanciers of the breed.
DNA testing, tracking of health and physical
characteristics, tracking and recording other data for
each dog, being available for on-going studies are part
of the requirements. It
is important to realize that the rescue of this lineage
is an ongoing project, a work in progress.
Although the total population of Gompa dogs
is small, it is still too large to be housed at one
location. The Kennel Without Walls is a unique
approach; individuals host a dog, or dogs, in their home
where they become a cherished member of the family and
yet are available to participate in Program either for
tracking and/or breeding. Any Gompa dog is a joint member of both the
host’s home and the Program itself. Possession of a Gompa
dog comes with agreement to participate in the
Preservation Program. Puppies are registered to the official breeder.
Placement screening done by each breeder is
taken very seriously. Hosts are
screened through interviews, reference checks, and a
home visit to protect both the dog and integrity of the
Program. In the event the host becomes unable to care
for the dog placed with him or her, the dog is to be
returned to the breeder for a new placement. All puppies
born within the Program remain participants in the
Program.
Science is
the underpinning of the Program and the foundation of all
the activities to perpetuate the lineage. Tracking all
dogs through the course of their lives is
an
extremely important function of the Program's Database.
Fun events are held in order to gather updated information
and connect with hosts.
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