AKC clubs do great work in their communities. Consider the countless community services that AKC club members perform across the U.S.— seminars on dog care, training classes, canine health clinics, Responsible Dog Ownership Days, support for canine health research, rescue and fostering, educational matches, competitive events, youth and Junior Handler programs—the list is endless. Club members and experienced dog owners work together to share their expertise, promote responsible dog ownership, and involve others in activities that enhance the human/canine bond.

United States Senator Debbie Stabenow (Michigan) was honored with an AKC Legislator of the Year Award during her visit to the Detroit Kennel Club (DKC) show on June 20.

Senator Stabenow, who visited the show with members of her family, toured the event with DKC Show Chair Chris Berg, chatted with constituent dog enthusiasts and met their beautiful dogs. She tweeted and posted photos while watching group competition.

As Chair of the United States Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Stabenow has been a strong voice for the interests of Michigan fanciers and hobby breeders.

Photo courtesy Chuck Cubbison

 

“The planning and cooperation of this sledding community is a testament to the love and care its members have for all their dogs and demonstrates the amazing feats that can be achieved by working together.”

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.

As others fled the area, sled dog owners and their fellow mushers from surrounding areas drove toward the advancing fire to help transport their animals to safety. The Sockeye Fire, named for the road where it originated, devastated more than 7,000 acres north of Willow, Alaska.

The densely-forested area is vulnerable to fires sparked by lightning strikes and human carelessness, and recent hot, dry conditions increased the risk.

Just weeks earlier, members of a local sled dog organization met to discuss emergency plans. Because of this advanced planning and fast action by the mushing community, hundreds of dogs and other pets in sledding kennels were saved from the Sockeye Fire. Musher Chuck Cubbison of Wasilla assisted with the evacuations.

AKC Government Relations is pleased to announce that updated 2014 statistics on AKC dog events in each state have been added to the resources available on the GR webpages. Click here, and then click on your state for information on the number of AKC events and entries and the economic value of spending by participants in AKC conformation dog shows.

Be sure to visit the AKC Government Relations Toolbox often for the latest materials you can download and print for legislative battles, community and dog-related events, and club meetings to help educate others about the importance of promoting and protecting responsible dog ownership and breeding.