The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced today that Lucille Perry, of Grants Pass, Oregon, has been named a recipient of the AKC Community Achievement Award for her efforts to promote responsible dog ownership. The Rogue Valley Kennel Club, a group in which she serves as public education coordinator and legislative liaison, nominated Perry. Perry was one of two honorees this quarter – Carol Jo Stuart, of Peninsula, Ohio, 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.
“Lucille has done so much for the canine community,” said Noreen Baxter, AKC’s VP of Communications. “From her work to promote the rights of responsible dog owners to her efforts to educate the public about proper canine care. The American Kennel Club salutes Lucille and we hope this recognition will encourage more responsible dog owners to become canine ambassadors.”
Perry is a founding member of the K9 Kapers therapy-dog group in Santa Barbara, California. The group has performed obedience demonstrations for hospital patients since the 1980s. An AKC Canine Ambassador, Perry and her Staffordshire Bull Terriers perform safety demonstrations at health-care facilities and classrooms.
Perry is an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator who regularly assists dog and handler teams preparing for their CGC evaluation. She recently worked with two trainers to offer free CGC classes to fanciers. As a result of Perry’s efforts more than six dozen canines have earned CGC titles over the last two years.
Perry served as president, show chair, and obedience chair of the Rogue Valley Kennel Club (RVKC). She has tirelessly promoted responsible dog ownership in the media with television and radio appearances, interviews with reporters and letters to the editors of local newspapers. Perry is a former AKC GAZETTE breed columnist, and her articles have been published in many breed-specific and all-breed publications.
Nominations for the AKC Community Achievement Awards are accepted year-round. Up to three honorees are named each quarter. They receive a certificate and a $1,000 check payable to the club or federation’s public education and canine legislation efforts.