Most of you who own dogs treat your dogs like family and care deeply for the well being of all dogs. You want to give generously to charities that benefit dogs, but the AKC advises you to choose organizations that best serve your desired ends.

There is a difference between animal welfare organizations and animal rights organizations. Animal welfare involves providing a dog with love and proper responsible care for its entire life. Animal rights include extreme views that disapprove of and seek to eliminate companion animal ownership.

The AKC supports and encourages the best premises of animal welfare. Before making charitable donations to animal-related causes, the AKC urges you to thoroughly investigate, understand and approve of the programs or ideals your donation will support. Ask for a written summary of the organization's goals or mission. Request and review a recent annual report. Will your funds go directly to help animals or will they be used for administrative costs? Do not be afraid to ask detailed questions about how your donation will be used, or to discontinue donations if you are not fully satisfied with the charity's work.

You may consider contributing to the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund. The fund provides resources, support, funds, and other assistance to not-for-profit Search and Rescue animals and handlers participating in rescue and recovery efforts in connection with natural or civil disasters, not-for-profit veterinary units providing support to the canine rescue teams, and not-for-profit animal shelters and similar not-for-profit organizations providing care for domestic animals orphaned or displaced as a result of natural or civil disasters.

If you would like to donate to the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund, please make tax deductible check donations payable to: AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund, American Kennel Club, 260 Madison Avenue-4th floor, New York, NY 10016-2401.You may also contribute online through the AKC online store.

For additional information about the fund, contact the fund administrator at (919) 816-3564.

If you'd like to distribute copies of the one-page information bulletin Be Informed, which echoes the importance of making informed decisions about contributing to dog-related charities, please request copies of part number MLAW02 by calling Customer Relations, (919) 233-9767, or e-mailing orderdesk@akc.org.