The American Kennel Club® announced recently that Joseph Foster has been named a recipient of the AKC® Community Achievement Award for his dedication to responding quickly and effectively to canine legislation issues in his community. Foster is a member of the Wilmington (Delaware) Kennel Club (WKC.) He received one of three awards for the third quarter of 2007- the Everglades Golden Retriever Club of Boca Raton, Fla. and the Detroit 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.
Last year Foster, who owns two Rottweilers, played a key role in the defeat of countywide breed-specific legislation. He currently serves on two task forces; one organized to advocate reasonable canine legislation in New Castle County, and a statewide task force set up by State Senator Terry Spence. He is presently involved in fighting a proposed breed-specific legislation initiative in the city of Dover.
Foster was recommended for a Community Achievement Award by WKC secretary Martha Doerner, who described his approach to dealing with local legislators as laidback and non-confrontational and said “he keeps the board and the general membership up to date about legislation in the four states in which our members reside. He makes sure we know what's happening in other areas of the county so we are away of what might happen here. I can't think of another WKC member who could or would do this particular job any better than Joe.”
“The AKC commends Joseph Foster's efforts to ensure the continued well-being of dogs in his community,” said Noreen Baxter, AKC's VP of Communications. “He is an excellent role model for WKC members as well as anyone looking to get involved in fighting breed-specific legislation in his or her neighborhood.”
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.