This year as we gear up for the fourth annual AKC ® Responsible Dog Ownership Day (AKC RDO Day) I am pleased to report about some new opportunities for clubs, state federations, and pet-related organizations as they plan their AKC RDO Day events in communities across the country.
Publicly promoting responsible dog ownership takes time, initiative and resources. Last year more than 350 clubs and organizations held AKC RDO Day events. This year AKC plans to honor those dedicated individuals and organizations by devoting the fourth quarter AKC Community Achievement Awards – a program which traditionally honors clubs and individuals who promote purebred dogs through exemplary public education and canine legislation efforts – to AKC-affiliated clubs or federations holding exceptional AKC RDO Day events in their communities.
Selecting Community Achievement Award winners from among AKC Day participants is just another way to say thank you for helping raise awareness about responsible dog ownership issues and how AKC programs and services play a vital part in that awareness. Up to three honorees will be accepted and award recipients will receive a certificate of appreciation and a $1,000 check payable to the club for their ongoing public education efforts. For more information on nominating clubs visit:http://images.akc.org/pdf/CAANominationForm.pdf
Additionally, clubs or individuals that want a “leg up” on getting the word out and generating publicity for their AKC RDO Day event can take advantage of an upcoming AKC Communications Summit in conjunction with the Heart of America Kennel Club dog show in Kansas City, MO on August 25. To sign-up and learn how to maximize AKC RDO Day and your club’s media strategy contact us at communications@akc.org
Don’t forget that AKC is also holding its own flagship events in New York City on Sept., 16, featuring the popular “Meet the Breeds” in Madison Square Park and in Raleigh, NC at Millbrook Exchange Park on Sept. 9. These events, and others nationwide, will include AKC Canine Good Citizen® testing, microchipping clinics, safety around dogs, agility and other informative and entertaining demonstrations. To help those holding events further, this year we are making available additional logo supplies like hats, t-shirts, pencils, stickers and balloons to make events even more fun for kids.
The AKC is dedicated to providing dog lovers, whether long-time owners or those considering a dog for the first time, the necessary resources and educational tools to make the canine-human bond the best experience possible. For more information about AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day or to sign-up to hold an event in your community visit: https://www.akc.org/clubs/rdod/index.cfm
Sincerely,
Ron Menaker
Chairman