June 2015 AKC Gazette President’s Letter

I am routinely amazed by the many causes championed by AKC clubs in support of dogs in their communities.

One potential danger to dogs – house fires – has been addressed by AKC clubs across the country this year. These volunteer members have raised funds to provide lifesaving pet oxygen mask kits to their local fire departments and other emergency responders.

The kits give those responders an additional tool to help quickly revive or resuscitate an animal in immediate need of medical treatment on the spot.

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Emergency Preparation: Advance Planning Enables Sled Dog Community to Save 600 Dogs from Wildfire

Dog owners raced the flames to save more than 600 sled dogs as a wildfire swept through Alaska’s Mat-Su Valley last week. In the fire’s path were the homes and kennels of dozens of competitive racing and recreational sled dog owners.

“Federal and state laws require many kennels to have emergency preparedness disaster plans, but having an emergency plan should be a priority for every dog owner,” said Sheila Goffe, AKC Director of Government Relations.

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The Pack Has Expanded!

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announces the full recognition of the Berger Picard, Lagotto Romagnolo and the Miniature American Shepherd. This raises AKC’s total recognized breeds to 187.

Learn more about these new breeds ►

Having events or continuing activities outside the club’s annual dog show demonstrates your club’s value to the community. Distribute plenty of flyers in local stores to publicize the events as well as sending press releases and media alerts to the media. Below are some ideas:

• Contact town officials and ask if your club and dogs can participate in local parades such as Labor Day, Christmas, etc.
• Create a “Bring Your Dog to Lunch Day” at your workplace.
• Host a “Photo with Santa Day” for pets in your local area.
• Utilize a public park or library front lawn for an AKC CGC test or Meet the Breeds.
• Raise money and donate trash cans, benches, pooper-scooper dispensers, etc. for a local dog run (have your club’s name and website printed on the items).

For even more ideas, check out page 37 of Promoting Your Club and Its Events.

Tools and Tactics for Promoting Clubs

The AKC celebrates Responsible Dog Ownership Days each year during the month of September. Anytime during the year, but mostly in September, AKC clubs and organizations are encouraged to hold local events to emphasize the importance of responsible dog ownership. AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day offers clubs the opportunity to gain publicity, legislative visibility, and community contacts by holding events, which may include CGC tests, obedience/agility demonstrations, rescue booths, Meet the Breeds, etc.

Learn more and sign-up here ►

...for promoting AKC events, activities and opportunities across the country. Recognizing and utilizing your members' particular expertise and capabilities to put your own "spin" on AKC's message points helps them go even further.

Kudos to the Electric City Kennel Club, Central Wyoming Kennel Club and Virginia Kennel Club for obtaining great media coverage for their recent dog shows.

Check out the clips here ►

Pets Always Stay Free at Motel 6
Motel 6 is proud to be the official lodging provider of the AKC. AKC registrants receive a 10% discount at over 1,100 Motel 6 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Call the special AKC reservation number 855-M6-4DOGS and mention CP542764 to receive your savings.

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Thanks to all of the clubs that routinely generate positive media coverage. If your club has an idea or success story to share, please send it to: Stephanie Smith, Club Communications Manager, American Kennel Club, 4th Floor, 260 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 or send us your brag in an e-mail to communications@akc.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
The AKC Communications Team