A Message from Mari-Beth O'Neill
Summer is coming to an end. We're all getting ready for the fall, school, new adventures and end -of-year events. The AKC Summer Intern Program just concluded. We were fortunate to have ten interns from all over the U.S. come to work in either the New York or North Carolina offices of the American Kennel Club this summer. Please read the firsthand comments of those who participated in this event below. Perhaps this is something you might consider at some time in your future. You can read information about 2005 internships here.

We are thrilled with the number of Juniors who have already met the criteria of five wins with competition for the AKC/Eukanuba Invitational Championship, January 15 & 16, 2005 in Tampa, Florida. If you have met the win criteria please have your transcript or equivalent forwarded to the Judges Education Department of the AKC. Click here for a list of Juniors who have met both criteria for entry.

We are very appreciative of the articles submitted by current Juniors participating in different AKC events and from those who are current AKC Junior Scholarship recipients. They speak for themselves covering the vast interests and involvement Juniors have in all aspects of purebred dogs. If you are participating in a Companion Event or Performance event, please remember to have the Junior Recognition Form signed by the judge. We feel there are many juniors competing in events that are not getting these forms signed to allow us to acknowledge you of your success.

The second annual celebration of AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day will take place in September. How many of you are participating in events to celebrate Responsible Dog Ownership? We would be interested in hearing about the types of events in which you are involved. Perhaps this is an opportunity to share your knowledge of Responsible Dog Ownership in your school! We would be thrilled to receive photos and brief articles, via email, about the different ways you celebrated Responsible Dog Ownership in your community.

Good luck in all of your endeavors and we look forward to seeing you at upcoming events.