January 2002
The year 2001 was certainly an eventful one for AKC. It was one of some significant triumphs and some unsettling lows. Having completed our 117th year, it must be conceded that AKC is stronger than ever and showing few signs of aging. Indeed, the new things that AKC has in the oven are truly exciting.
The tragedy of September 11th offered AKC an opportunity to show our sport and the nation the strength and true purpose of our organization. We are devoted to our dogs and the humane values which the people in our sport hold. AKC met the challenge by leading the fund raising for both the people victims of 9/11 as well as the canines and their handlers who heroically were part of the rescue effort.
On a much happier note, AKC initiated the AKC/Eukanuba American Dog Classic in Orlando on December 11th. Although born in some controversy, it emerged as an unqualified success. Designed as an invitational event, over 1,500 responded to the challenge. There was a strong consensus among those present that a very significant AKC event has been created. The great payoff for the event will be in the initial telecast on Super Bowl Weekend. Mark your calendar: Saturday, February 2nd, 8-11 p.m. on Animal Planet. We expect that it will receive seven additional airings throughout 2002.
The Classic will send a strong message to the American public of the beauty and value of the AKC purebred dog and the importance of the breeder to our sport.
The Board of Directors and the Delegates continue to address the very important issues within our sport. It is noteworthy that they are now involved in some issues that were simply ignored in years past. An example of that is the matter of puppy mills, commercial kennels, or high volume kennels (take your choice of terms to describe them). Full and open discussion will bring some light to this subject which has been sadly lacking before.
Internally, AKC is making steady progress in re-engineering our computer and information services capacity. When fully completed, show plans will greatly ease the work of the clubs planning their shows. The registration department is on the verge of great changes. Very soon, if a readable and error-free individual registration application is received, it will be scanned into our records and the registration certificate will go out the next day. I know of no kennel club in the world, and certainly not one of our size, that will provide that kind of service.
On the low side, the general decline in both litter and individual registrations continues and was exacerbated by 9/11. However, we continue to work on improving our registrations and to making an AKC registration of value not only to those in the sport but also to the pet owners.
The future of AKC in 2002 and the years beyond is bright. This club and this sport have a vitality which mirrors the enthusiasm of our dogs.
Sincerely,
David C. Merriam
Chairman
