Club Events 2009 Thanks you to all the clubs who held AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day events. With over 500 events reported to us from across the country, the celebration was a huge success! Below, please enjoy some event recaps and photos submitted by some of our event holding clubs. If you would like to submit your event photos and recaps for consideration, please email communications@akc.org.

South Windsor Kennel Club “South Windsor Kennel Club was invited to have a booth two weeks before the “Big E” New England Fair. We are very grateful to AKC for sending us so many good handouts and giveaways. The first weekend we went in thinking we had more than enough for the four days. WRONG, we were out of almost everything by early Sunday. We gave out the AKC coloring books and a member printed up labels that read “Compliments of the AKC and its member clubs: South Windsor, Springfield and Windham County” and put them on over a thousand boxes of crayons. We gave the crayons out the first weekend with the coloring books, pencils, stickers and literature. Big thanks to the AKC staff, especially Barbara Ohmann and Sheila Goffe for their help.” -- Peggy Wampold Ann Arbor Dog Training Club “In September, our Canin tice a with the AKC’s Responsible Dog Ow cem ars of AnnArbor.com and the He we ce on September 8th. It was a fun time, with a demonstration, run-throughs, and helpful comments and encouragement to all the participants from the evaluators. Eight dogs came for the CGC test on September 14th, and four of those received their Canine Good Citizen certificates.” -- Bruce and Tracy Willoughby

nd test was held in conjunctionent appeared in the calend had 10 dogs for the practi

e Good Citizen pracnership Day. A brief announ

ritage Newspapers, and

Bull Terrier Club of Dallas “Our event last month attra st of whom were surprised to learn so much scue across the Region, from the Greater Dallas area into O presentation and interaction with Plano Animal Control chance to spend quality time with an animal control officer a nicipalities facing today, and the role we all play in helping e s. Thank you, AKC, for honoring our effort and this specific se the profile of our cause, the advance the Bull Terrier b reeding.” -- Brian Bourque

Dalmatian Club of Greater New York “We were so busy doing everything during our day…it was a great day with lots of people. All the broc were helpful to event goers. Thanks for your help and hope to be able

rcea

cted more than 25 people from start to finish, mo about the need for Bull Terrier Reklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. The was a big hit. People appreciated the nd learn about the main challenges munforce ordinances in our communitie

event, which we believe has helped raireed with responsible ownership and b

hures and pamphlets to do next year.” -- Barbara Ga u, Corresponding Secretary

Golden Triangle Irish Setter Club “We held a Meet the Breeds that included Irish Setters, Weimaraners, Beagles, English Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers and Field Spaniels. A repre n hand to provide information on spaying and neutering, re for a shelter pet. We also raised money to donate to local s demonstrated obedience with their dogs and talked ab

Har the Germ

hepherd was bred to do. Many folks had no idea! They think of them as police dogs, search and rescue, but not herding dogs. Club members were on hand to explain Course C Herding and how it all began for the German Shepherd Dog. Over the weekend we had approximately 60 folks who were both exhibitors and spectators.” -- Diane Benoit

sentative from a local shelter was o as well as how to choose and ca

shelters. Additionally, club memberout training.” -- Deborah Lawrence

mpshire an Shepherd Dog Club of Southern

German Shepherd Dog Club of Southern New“Another wonderful weekend of Herding Trials foNH! We had spectators come to watch exactly what the German S

reater Kansas City Dog Training Club “The Greater Kansas City Dog Training Club participated in Strutt With your Mutt, a benefit walk for the local no-kill animal shelter. The club had a Meet the Breed Demonstration with 10 AKC-recognized breeds available to pet and breeders were available for questions. The club also performed AKC obedience demonstrations and set up a Rally course for interested participants to try. The AKC coloring books and pencils were a huge hit for all ages! About 500 people attended the event and the club's demonstrations were well attended.” -- Emma Stone PenDOG Meetup Gr“We had a wonde , participants, and visitors. Thank you for having such a meaningful event and for all the material you sent - we passed it out like gang busters.” -- Faith Hays

oup rful RDO day, with lots of venders, demonstrations

Austin Kennel Club We did have a successful RDO Day…We had 10 boxes of sample dog food donated by Purina. That item was a big hit and everyone wanted some but we told them that had to take and read AKC literature before they could have a sample. We also gave out poop bags and containers that can be attached to a leash and talked about the owner’s responsibility of picking up after their dog while walking.” – George Armstrong, Secretary Lake Cumberland Kennel Club “Although a small club in a rural community, we are proud of our club’s involvement and leadership in dog issues and programs in our region. This year, we made a special effort to commemorate Responsible Dog Ownership Day and to celebrate the 125th birthday of the American Kennel Club—as well as the founding of our own club in 1987—during September 2009. We hosted a “Dog Day Afternoon” at Pulaski County Public Library, began Fall dog training classes, created a bumper sticker promoting responsible dog ownership, wrote letters to the editors of local papers promoting responsible ownership, responsible breeding, and responsible acquisition of puppies, and added responsible pet ownership and responsible breeding pages to the Lake Cumberland Kennel Club web site.” – Gloria Sams Vegas Valley Dog Obedience Club “This was the first time our club had the opportunity to host a Responsible Dog Ownership Day. We offered obedience and rally demonstrations encouraging public participation, a mini beginning obedience class, a Meet the Breeds with all shapes and sizes of dogs represented (with a special thank you to Silver State Kennel Club and their members for coming out with their dogs), therapy dog information, CGC testing, microchip certificates, and a raffle of leashes and collars. Thank you so much for all the wonderful brochures you provided and the fun giveaways. Approximately fifty people and their dogs came by and all enjoyed themselves. Next year, we are hoping to expand and offer tracking, breed rescue and shelter adoptions, and doggy massages.” – Ginger Austin

MassFed “MassFed members held an RDO Event on September 16th at the State House. Rep. Anne M. Gobi presented to us Governor Deval Patrick's Official Proclamation of Responsible Dog Ownership Week in Massachusetts.” -- Julie Rembrandt Seeley

Klamath Dog Fanciers “We had a lot of fun...Thanks for everything; we look forward to doing this again next year! We had teamed up with Child Abuse Prevention to promote "Go Orange for Animals" and "BK2SA" (Be Kind to Animals) as part of the awareness of animal and people abuse being linked.” -- Joanne David Oregon State Bulldog Club “Oregon State Bulldog Club held its Responsible Dog Ownership Day at Normandale Park in Portland, OR. Our main thrust was to make our club known as a resource for correct Bulldog information. We met about 20 Bulldog owners; some first time, others repeat owners. We stressed the information available through the AKC and recommended registration for all dogs. We also had opportunities to talk to owners of other breeds, as well. Although our event was not on the scale of our previous events, we all thought it went well and was successful.” -- Susan Howard

Sacramento Valley Boxer Club “The Sacramento Valley Boxer Club celebrated its RDO Day on Saturday, September 26, 2009. Match attendees were invited to bring their dogs by for chiropractic assessing by Dr. Amy L. Fansler, DC…we also offered a B/OB match, a raffle and information on: Keeping Your Dog Fit & Trim; CGC; S.T.A.R. Puppy Program; Getting Started in Obedience, Tracking, CGC & Agility; Why Register Your Dog with AKC; Dog Show Etiquette; Safety Checklist for Kids; and more.” -- Kelly Ulrickson-Fugina Canine Craze Performance Center “We held our RDO/CGC day September 26th, 2009. We had 7 participants and 6 passed. We offered tips on how to keep your dog safe, happy and healthy. Our attendees said they were impressed with the turn out, the cleanliness of our facility and our organization. Thank you for the opportunity to represent AKC in this way.” -- Loni Johannes

Lakes Region Kennel Club, Inc. “Club members and venders arrived at 8:00 to set up for the day. Agility was set up outside be-side the community center. A ring was set up in the community center for the Canine Good Citizen test that was going on all day. Walk the dogs to music was a big hit. When the music stopped the dog and handler closest to the bag on the floor won the bag which was full on treats and toys. We want to thank all the venders who showed up and the raffle was great.” -- Linda Heath and Cathy Boune Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center “Thank you for supporting the First Annual Walk for Wildlife dog walk fundraising event to benefit the Animal Care Programs at Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center. Unfortunately, the weather was less than agreeable – in fact, our event might have been more aptly named "Swim for Wildlife" or "Duck Walk". Our event offered a low-cost microchip clinic, a K-9 Police Dog demo, Agility demo & fun run thrus, adoption groups, and educational materials to encourage responsible dog ownership. Although we were anticipating 400-600 attendees, the weather reduced that number significantly; we had just short of 100 dog walkers. Despite the weather and lower than expected attendance, we consider our first effort a great success. We also learned a great deal in the process and feel we are more than ready for our Second Annual Walk for Wildlife to be held next year - in the sunshine!” -- Linda Roberts

Rogue Valley Kennel Club “Our event was held at a local park on September 26. We expanded the area we rented this year and had a great set up for Meet the Breeds. Some 30 breeds were represented. We also had booths for non-profit organizations and vendors. RVKC wanted to put on a “big show” this year since we’ve lost our local grounds for our dog shows; they’ll be out of town in November. Another benefit of events like RDO Day is that it brings club members closer together in a spirit of cooperation. Owners took 37 dogs through CGC testing; most passed. We always offer a few training classes before RDO Day and had 70 handlers and dogs participate in at least one of the three free classes. It’s amazing how much information we can impart with as few as three lessons. We promoted the events on radio, TV, and the local newspaper. The club advertised in the newspaper and, also, in a quarterly publication put out by the Recreation Dept. As usual, AKC’s materials helped make this make this a successful event.” -- Lucille Perry West Coast Cocker Spaniel Club “The West Coast Cocker Spaniel Club was pleased to have the opportunity to host an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day. This was held in conjunction with our Labor Day Weekend agility shows. People were very interested in the written material and brochures and we saw many of the agility people reading the brochures as well. Most of the club members wore matching polo shirts and were often approached to answer many questions regarding both Responsible Dog Ownership Day and the agility show.” -- Liz Doyle

Cleveland Collie Club “The Cleveland Collie Club hosted its RDO Day was available for members and guests to . Everyone had a good time!”

Event on September 13, 2009. Agility equipment try out. We had approximately 25 people and 25 dogs

Saint Croix Valley Kennel Club “The Minnesota Responsible Dog Ownership Day and AKC Canine Experience were held on Saturday, September 19th, 2009 at the Washington Grounds in Lake Elmo, MN. This day was proclaimed Responsible Dog Ownership Day in the State of Minnesota by Governor Tim Pawlenty. The event was supported by the full participation of four All-Breed, three Group, and twenty-two Specialty Clubs with individual booths at the event to host a Meet the Breeds and other club related informational items. Washington County 4-H dog project also provided a four hour agility demonstration for the public. We provided Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog International testing for 50 dogs with a 96 percent success rate. A microchip clinic was held and a donation of $250.00 was made to the Three Day Breast Cancer Walk from the proceeds from the clinic. Overall the event was very successful for our first attempt and plans to make next year’s event bigger and better are underway.” – Pat Cunningham

AKC Canine Ambassador Paul Jordan demonstrates K9 CPR at AKC / Virgin Islands RDO DAY on St. John, USVI

St. John Animal Care Center “As Bull Terrier Club of America’s Canine Ambassador and Education Chair for the St. John Animal Care Center, I helped the United States Virgin Islands organize its first-ever RDO Day in the Territory. I proposed a bill presented by Virgin Islands Senator Craig Barshinger in the Virgin Islands Legislature that proclaimed the 26th of September RDO Day. With the support of AKC’s educational materials, the St. John ACC educated over 100 attendees in how to be a Responsible Dog Owner. Attendees were happy to learn that AKC was now recognizing Mixed Breeds (Coconut Retrievers we call them here in the Islands), and the new services now available to them through AKC Membership. Many will be back later in the fall to take their CGC test administered by the two AKC Certified Examiners on Island.” – Paul Jordan

Ochlockonee River Kennel Club “We had a great turn out for our event today. Even though it was very cloudy and rain was forecasted, it held off until after our event was over. We held a conformation fun match, obedience and rally match, CGC and Therapy Dog testing, and agility demonstrations.” -- Stacy Price Morris K9 Campus Morris K9 Campus’ Dog Play 101: Seminar with Robin Bennett proved to be a huge success! Over 65 dog lovers turned out to increase their awareness of group dog play situations. Attendees included dog park organizers, dog day care owners and members of the canine community. Special thanks to Robin Bennett for helping to make our dog parks and day cares a whole lot safer! – Rynn Kneebone

a Kennel Cl

d. Once aible

al Care and f

edienscue d

demonstrations. Children, dogs and adults too, were treated to free face painting and caricature drawings. We even had dogs there to listen to kids read. Finally, after a fun-filled day, some dogs were fortunate enough to receive a massage from their owners. A doggone good time was had by all at the NEIKC RDO Day!” – Ann Stucky

Northeastern Indiana KeThe Northeastern Indian2009 in Fort Wayne. Moreparticipated and over 500 pdeclared the day “Responsitems for our local Animaround dogs, grooming tipsRescue groups were presdepartment search and re

nnel Club ub (NEIKC) held its 3rd annual

than 30 different dog related groups, veneople and hundreds of dogs attende

Dog Ownership Day. “ People atteControl. We offered discounted

, breed info, and an education table full oent along with visiting therapy dogs. Ob

ogs, along with local, coun

RDO Day Saturday, Sept. 12, dors, and organizations

gain, our mayor nding brought canned pet food

microchipping, safety tips AKC related information.

ce clubs and fire ty, and state K-9 units gave

Eukanuba and the Cincinnati Reds “Over 500 dogs and their owners turned out for the Bark in the Park, an AKC Responsible Dog Owners Day sponsored by Eukanuba and the Cincinnati Reds on September, 15, 2009. The evening festivities included: a pre-game pet parade on the track surrounding the field and Meet the Breed tables that included the Boxer, Dachshund, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Several AKC responsible ownership videos were shown on the Jumbotron too.” -- Victoria Seiler

Respon

h was n

r Sergio Pa

Greater Daytona Dog Fanciers Association “The Greater Daytona Dog Fanciers held its Volusia Mall in Daytona Beach. We received rave rereturn next year for an even better and biggeMayor Glen Ritchie of Daytona Beach whicnot only on responsible dog ownership, but also oPaws, Volusia County Sheriff's K-9 unit, Tomokabloodhounds), and Animal Control Officeeducational day!” -- Janet Narushka

sible Dog Ownership Day on Sept 19th at the views of the event and people are asking to

r event. We did receive an official proclamation from shared at the start of the event. Our focus was

service dogs in our area; My Angel with Correctional Institute (with their mantrailing

checo all attended. In all, it was a fun filled,

County-Wide Dog Training Club “We held our RDO on September 28, 2009 at Montgomery Village Shopping Center, in Santa Rosa. Our club brochures were out along with a picture collage of our members in action, and the poster AKC provided in their information packet, and all the great AKC brochures, stickers and coloring books for the kids. A variety of breeds were available for people to meet. We had a small area in which we set up a mini Rally course…we had a lot of people stop by with their dogs, and encouraged them to try the course. A lot of people asked questions and were genuinely interested in having well-trained dogs. And since our club provides obedience classes at all levels, hopefully many of these people will sign their dogs up for our classes and become more responsible dog owners. I know our members had a lot of fun and would like to do this again to provide a service to the community.” -- Kathy Miller

Columbia MO Kennel Club, Columbia Canine Sport Center, 4 Paws 4H and Show Me Canine Agility Club “September 26, 2009 was a beautiful temperate day for the Responsible Dog Ownership Day in Columbia, MO. The Youths of the 4 Paws 4H Club exhibited their skills in Conformation, Rally Obedience, Obedience and Agility. Members of the Show Me Canine Agility Club and the Columbia MO Kennel Club presented Meet the Breeds, where owners presented a history of their breed, its exercise & health needs, food requirements, and grooming requirements. Members of all involved clubs and several local and national businesses donated raffle items. In all over 40 different items were raffled off, with the proceeds divided between two local animal shelters. A Safety Around Dogs presentation was also offered, which included a viewing of the AKC DVD

"Safety Around Dogs." AKC Bailey the Beagle coloring books with crayons were distributed to kids, as were a wide variety of AKC safety literature and brochures.” -- Steven Sieveking

Bulldog Club of Utah and the Utah Doberman Pinscher Club “On Saturday September 5, 2009, the Bulldog Club of Utah and the Utah Doberman Pinscher Club co-hosted our 3rd annual Canine Good Citizen Test, and as an added attraction, we also held an American Temperament Test Society test. We had quite a number of "drop-in" spectators, since it was held at one of Salt Lake County's dog parks, and many people expressed interest in participating in another test. It was a very interesting, enlightening and fun day!” – Susan Tibbitts

PETCO, Redwood City, California “PETCO in Redwood City held its 2nd annual RDO Day on Saturday, September 26th. There were free seminars on nutrition, training, and grooming, as well as open AKC Canine Good Citizen Testing. Jeannie (AKC CGC Evaluator) and one of her CGC Dogs "Annie", and Amanda (Petco Trainer) and her S.T.A.R. Puppy class attendee Delo were on hand all day to test, answer questions, and promote the STAR Puppy and CGC Classes. We added two new Canine Good Citizen Dogs to our community, as well as enrolled several in classes.”

event was fuup

Northern California Herding Group Association “The Northern California Herding Group Association held its first RDO Day event on September 19th in Dixon, California. We held a CGC test, microchip clinic and had several educational booths representing rescue organizations and the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Canine Blood Bank. Numerous breeds were present to meet and greet our visitors, including Scottish Terriers, Keeshonden, German Shorthaired and Wirehaired Pointers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Australian Shepherds, and more. The most popular event of the day was the Canine Good Citizen test, with 13 dogs tested. If anything, we planned for more activities than we had time for, and next year we'll focus primarily on the CGC and breed showcase. A good time was had by all!” -- Tonya Berger

PETCO, Anaheim Hills, California “Thanks for sending all the material. Thefor kids and free seminars. A dog adoption groRDO.” -- Betty Estremo, Head Trainer/CGC Evaluato

n with a scavenger hunt, coloring contest was also there and loved the brochures on

r

Concho Kennel Club “The most unusual thing that happened at our event in San Angelo is that it RAINED the WHOLE day. Some might think this is odd, yet we don't get a lot of rain here. Even so, we all had a great time and folks came out and enjoyed the dogs. We held a rally demo, agility weave pole demo, showed the AKC videos on safety around dogs, and had a lot of educational display boards set up all around. We look forward to next year (with no rain).” -- Valerie Tillery

Cascadian Northern Club “On September 13, 2009, the Cascadian Northern Club (CNC) held its first event. Our goal was to have a Fun Match to showcase the proposed Northern Group and also to have an opportunity to share with the local community our commitment to responsible dog ownership. This was our first event so we had no idea what to expect from the weather, the grounds or the turnout! I have to say that we are all very pleased in all three areas. It was perfect! We had a large turnout of Northern Breed dogs and puppies for a total conformation entry of 50. We also had a very good response in Rally with 11 entries.” -- Wendy Sorrell Cotton Land Cluster Dog Clubs “The Bayou Kennel Club and the German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Ouachita had RDO information booths on Sat. 8/28/09 and the Vicksburg Kennel Club and the South LA Vizsla Club had a booth on 8/29/09 all in conjunction with the Cotton Land Cluster ( a four day All Breed & Specialty Cluster) held in Monroe, LA. There was also CGC testing and an AKC Educational Booth available for spectators to visit. Materials were given out to the many spectators in attendance at the shows.” -- Pat Booker

Dallas Fort Worth Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club “On September 26, 2009 the Dallas Fort Worth Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (DFW CKCSC) hosted a Fun Match in conjunction with Responsible Dog Ownership Day. We promoted responsible dog ownership not only through health clinics and seminars, but by highlighting some of the fun ways we, as individuals and as a community, can build strong, mutually appreciative relationships with our dogs. Our goal was to bring public awareness to AKC dog-related activities and be a positive force for educating the public about the rewards and many responsibilities relating to dog ownership. The day flourished amid heartfelt smiles, wagging tails, laughter and applause.” -- Janet Villasenor