New York, NY – The Penn Ridge Kennel Club (PRKC) of Hilltown Township, Penn. has been named a recipient of the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) Community Achievement Award for promoting responsible dog ownership. The PRKC received one of three awards for the second quarter of 2009 (Lori Finlayson of the Mid-Continent Kennel Club and the Bakersfield Obedience Training Club also received recognition).
The AKC® Community Achievement Awards support and recognize outstanding public education and legislation efforts of AKC-affiliated clubs, AKC-recognized federations and their members. The AKC selects award recipients who promote purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership within their communities or who have successfully introduced, monitored and responded to legislative issues affecting dog ownership.
In the last year, PRKC members have participated in a number of efforts to provide educational demonstrations and activities in their community. PRKC members staged a wide range of event demonstrations at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, the nation’s largest agricultural expo. Club members also participated in Allentown’s annual Canine Learning Experience with a multimedia presentation televised statewide and as part of the Keystone Cluster, PRKC staged dog shows and obedience trials that featured education, fund-raising, and much of the hospitality that the club has become famous for providing. The Penn Ridge Kennel Club also holds a “Canine Septemberfest”, an educational extravaganza that coincides with both the area’s Community Day and AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day. Local political leaders are invited to join in the fun.
“We strive to educate our state representatives on the importance of careful consideration regarding dog-related legislation,” said PRKC Board Member Liz Muthard.
“The Penn Ridge Kennel Club is a great example of a club helping its community through the promotion of responsible dog ownership,” said Ron Rella, AKC’s Director, Project Administration. “I am proud to recognize the members of this club with the AKC Community Achievement Award.”
Nominations for the AKC Community Achievement Awards are accepted year-round. Up to three honorees are named each quarter. They receive a certificate of appreciation and a $1,000 check payable to the club or federation’s public education and canine legislation efforts. To nominate a club, visit https://www.akc.org/public_education/community_achievement.cfm