The American Kennel Club® announced recently that Lynne Clements of the Clackamas Kennel Club in Oregon City, Oregon has been named a recipient of the AKC® Community Achievement Award for educating the public about purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership. Clements received one of three awards for the third quarter of 2009–Danita Slattin of the Sussex Spaniel Club of America and the Illinois Capital Kennel 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.

As Public Education Coordinator for the Clackamas Kennel Club, Clements oversees the educational booth at the club’s show each year. She and the club have also provided educational materials like the AKC’s Complete Dog Book and AKC’s Safety Around Dogs video and worksheets to 16 different county libraries.

Within her community, Clements has organized a successful pet fair that promoted and offered information about purebred dogs and purebred dog sports. She has also delivered blankets to needy dogs at the local shelter.

“We applaud Lynne Clement’s tireless work for both her club and the world of purebred dogs,” said Sheila Goffe, AKC’s Director of Government Relations. “In an era where people sometimes fall under fire for owning a purebred, it’s reassuring to know that we have such knowledgeable AKC club members educating the public.”

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. Nominate a club.