The Awards for Canine Excellence celebrate canine heroes in appreciation for the inspiring ways in which they contribute to our lives. Each year, five loyal, hard-working dogs are commemorated in the categories of Exemplary Companion, Service, Therapy, Uniformed Service K-9 and Search and Rescue for making significant contributions to an individual or their communities.

We're accepting ACE nominations through July 31, 2016. Nominate a deserving dog today.

In late June, the AKC Government Relations team joined members of the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs (NJFDC) for their annual lobby day at the state capitol in Trenton.

Federation members brought several dogs to help meet and greet legislators, set up information booths at the capitol building, met with their legislators throughout the day, and attended a hearing. They also presented Senate President Steve Sweeney with AKC’s legislator of the Year award for 2015.

Click here to see a video that captures this great day at the capitol.

You can increase press coverage throughout the year by hosting a stand-alone special event to raise awareness of your club. Having events or continuing activities outside your club's annual dog show demonstrates your value to the community. Many clubs host AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days and successfully draw a large crowd of local dog owners. AKC clubs are now welcome to host an AKC RDO Day at any time during the year, and the first 600 groups to sign up will receive a FREE giveaways kit. Go here for more information and to register your event. For a toolkit that gives step-by-step instructions on how to promote your AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day to the media, email us at communications@akc.org.

Take a look back at one of last year’s ACE recipients.

“George,” a Great Dane, is paired with Bella, a 10-year-old girl with a rare genetic disorder called Morquio Syndrome. Before she met George, Bella used a wheelchair or crutches to move around, but George gave Bella the strength and determination to walk and take part in activities she otherwise would not have been able to do. He has helped her gain confidence, independence and happiness.

Watch now.

Motel 6 offers a 10% nationwide discount to AKC Registrants.
To receive the discount guests must reference the AKC account number CP542764
100% of Motel 6 locations are Pet Friendly
Motel 6 Does NOT Charge a Pet Fee
Motel 6 Does NOT have weight limits on Pets
Motel 6 allows 2 pets per room

RESERVATIONS can be made at 800-4-MOTEL6 (800-466-8356), or with any Motel 6 property directly, or by clicking here.