The Northern Neck Kennel Club of Virginia, the vice president of the Central New York Kennel Club, and a high school senior who serves on the board of the Elm City Kennel Club in Connecticut are the recipients of the American Kennel Club’s quarterly community achievement awards.
High school student Andrew D’Ambrose was recognized for staging an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event as his Eagle Scout project. D’Ambrose secured indoor and outdoor venues for his AKC RDO Day, raised $2,600 to cover event costs, and designed, produced, and mailed booklets and advertising at his own expense.
He also organized an array of speakers and demonstrations on subjects including therapy dogs, grooming, training, Greyhound rescue and K9 units, according to the AKC.
Janet DiNitto, vice president of the Central New York Kennel Club, was recognized for her longtime dedication to educating her community on the responsibilities of dog ownership, according to the AKC.
For several years she has worked with young dog lovers of the Oneida County 4-H Club, judging their annual show at the county fair, organizing awards presentations, and teaching handling skills and responsible dog ownership to members.
The Northern Neck Kennel Club of Virginia, like DiNitto, was honored for a longtime dedication to educating the public about responsible dog ownership. The organization serves a rural community in a five-county area.
According to the nominating letter, the club often partners with local businesses, animal welfare organizations, schools, libraries, and hospitals to educate the public about dogs. Year round, members drive long distances to educate the public on the responsibilities that come with owning a dog, according to the AKC.
The three award recipients will receive a certificate of appreciation and a $1,000 check payable to the club or federation’s public education and canine legislation efforts, the AKC says.