The American Kennel Club (AKC) awarded three kennel clubs with Community Achievement Awards and $1,000 for their efforts to promote education and legislation that furthers responsible dog ownership.
The Oconee River Kennel Club (ORKC) of Watkinsville, Ga., the Rapid City Kennel Club (RCKC) of Rapid City, S.D. and the Susque-Nango Kennel Club (SNKC) of Binghamton, N.Y., won awards for their work promoting the AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day, which consisted of 370 events nationwide in September.
The ORKC put together several activities for the event, including a poster contest for children, a junior handling clinic, and a demonstration by therapy dog volunteers.
After a proclamation from the Rapid City mayor naming Sept. 8 AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day, the RCKC took advantage of the heightened awareness and joined with three other nonprofit groups to spread the message. In addition, the organization hosted many activities including an “Ask the Vet” booth and several demonstrations such as obedience, dog sledding, agility, and water rescue.
The SNKC hosted its Responsible Dog Ownership Day event in conjunction with the Canine Companion Breast Cancer Awareness Walk to capitalize on the positive publicity of both events. The SNKC hosted many activities during the day including agility, obedience, and flyball demonstrations.
The AKC Community Achievement Award is given to three honorees each quarter, and nominations are accepted year-round. The winners will receive $1,000 each to further their public education and canine legislation efforts. To nominate a club or club member, visit the AKC website.