RRAMA - About Us
How RRAMA began...Almost a decade ago, two Rhodesian Ridgeback owners in the metro Atlanta area were busily training and competing with their dogs; conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, all these activities were tried out and enjoyed. Both owners, Tammy McGill and Anne Jones saw each other frequently and talked about their Ridgebacks.
During one such conversation, the topic of Ridgeback sightings came up, for such an unusual breed, there seemed to be a great many Ridgebacks in the Atlanta area. Tammy and Anne both agreed that these owners should somehow be contacted and educated - not just on the breed’s temperament, but on the activities available to purebred dog owners and the ability of our hounds to compete and excel at these sports.
An invitation was sent out to as many potential members as they could find “We hope this meeting will allow the Ridgeback owners in Metro Atlanta to get to know one another, increase everyone’s overall knowledge of the breed, and find out what types of activities you can participate in with your Ridgeback.”
RRAMA had it’s first meeting on July 19, 1997. That day 17 members joined the fledgling club, since then it has grown to an approximate membership of 90 Ridgeback enthusiasts.
Since 1997, RRAMA has hosted a variety of activities; mini-seminars that introduced members to agility, obedience, lure coursing and tracking. The club held a CGC test for it’s members and friends. There have been large, all dogs welcome picnics and holiday parties, and special evening meetings with local veterinarians sharing their specialties with the club members. RRAMA is supportive of the local Ridgeback Rescue coordinators by offering advice, transportation, fostering and donations when necessary. As a member of Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the US, RRAMA also hosts a supported entry at a local dog show cluster annually, with some impressive trophies and a magnificent table display.
That one conversation between two Ridgeback owners became an incredible organization of Ridgeback enthusiasts. People that help each other, offer support to new owners and that are dedicated to preserving and improving the Rhodesian Ridgeback.