North Carolina legislators and staff were thrilled to once again welcome the American Kennel Club to the state capitol for the annual AKC Canines at the Capitol event. The AKC invited them to “come hug a dog on your lunch break” and they did just that – posing for pictures with the dogs and cheering as some showed off their skills on an agility course.
AKC brought a variety of dogs including a Great Pyrenees puppy, a loveable corgi, and a photogenic and friendly German Shorthaired Pointer. The legislators also enjoyed getting their picture with a Plott, which is the state dog of North Carolina.
The AKC also presented a Legislator of the Year award to Representative Jimmy Dixon in recognition of his longstanding public support of responsible dog owners and breeders.
Before the event the AKC Government Relations Department sent out invitations to the public, as well as legislators and staff, who received “biographies” of each dog attending. These included fun facts about the dogs and information on the breeds. Attendees enjoyed meeting the dogs, learning more about them, and talking with the owners. AKC also provided information on the good things AKC does for dogs and responsible owners and the positive impact breeders and AKC clubs have on the local communities.
The popular annual event was once again warmly received by the legislature – several of whom thanked the AKC for coming and noted the calming effect that dogs had on all of them. Many also told AKC staff that this is their favorite event of the year at the legislature. One representative told staff he has always wanted a border collie and was elated to meet Lex, a multi-titled Agility and Dock Diving champion border collie, and couldn’t stop smiling as he videoed Lex showing off his speed on the agility course.
“This year’s Canines at the Capitol event was our most successful yet,” said AKC Government Relations Director Sheila Goffe. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate to the North Carolina General Assembly the positive impact the AKC has on our state and all the ways dogs enrich our daily lives.”
