Over 370 AKC Events Held Nationwide; 5,000 Pet Promise Signatures
New York, NY — Demonstrating again that the dog is truly man's best friend, the American Kennel Club® has wrapped up its fifth annual celebration of AKC® Responsible Dog Ownership Day. More than 370 affiliated clubs and other organizations marked the day by hosting free educational events across the country during September.
In New York and Raleigh, where AKC's offices are located, flagship events were held in Madison Square Park and the North Carolina State Fairgrounds on September 15th hosting 20,000 and 5,000 people respectively. These events featured agility, obedience and rally demonstrations, low-cost microchipping clinics, breed rescue information, face painting, games and prizes. Two of the most popular activities were AKC Meet the Breeds®, which enables potential puppy-buyers to talk to breeders and get acquainted with many of AKC's 157 registered breeds, and the AKC Canine Good Citizen® Program, a 10-step test that recognizes well-mannered dogs.
Another important aspect of AKC RDO Day is the AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise, a petition which dog owners can sign to pledge their commitment to the responsibilities that come with the privilege of owning a dog, including training, grooming, proper nutrition, exercise and veterinary care. To date over 5,000 people have signed the AKC Pet Promise online and hundreds signed in person at the New York City event.
“Our dogs reward us daily with their companionship and loyalty. AKC Responsible Dog Ownership is about what we owe them in return,” said Lisa Peterson, AKC spokesperson. “Our goal with both the events and the Pet Promise is to remind people about the commitment they make when they choose to get a dog.”
The success of AKC RDO Day 2007 was furthered by the support of generous sponsors: Invisible Fence® Brand, the inventor and continued leader in electronic pet containment and Nature's Recipe,® which specifically avoids ingredients that can lead to food intolerance. In addition, Best Friends Pet Care, the leading boarding and grooming service provider in the U.S., supported the initiative by hosting local events at more than 30 of their facilities.
“Our collaboration with the AKC was a win-win for the Invisible Fence Brand,” said Mark Thomas, Senior Brand Manager for Invisible Fence. “It gave us a unique opportunity to align with the AKC and to promote responsible dog ownership on a grassroots level to the individual dog owners. It's a wonderful program and we were proud to take part.”
For photos and recaps on local AKC RDO Day events submitted by AKC Clubs, visit our AKC® Responsible Dog Ownership Day section.