New York, NY – The American Kennel Club® announced recently that the Salisbury Maryland Kennel Club (SMKC) has been named a recipient of the AKC® Community Achievement Award for its longtime dedication to educating the public about the responsibilities of dog ownership. The SMKC received one of three awards for the third quarter of 2008– Linda D. Witouski of Myrtle Beach Kennel Club and Lyons Township Dog Training 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 an AKC member club since 1953, the Salisbury Maryland Kennel Club has long been involved in activities that promote the maintenance of a dog-friendly community by not only protecting and advancing the interests of purebred dogs, but also promoting better care and control of all dogs. To this end, the club’s AKC Delegate, Barbara Furbush, is a valued member of the city of Salisbury’s dog park committee and Wicomico County’s dog ordinance committee.
The club’s two all-breed shows and obedience, agility and rally trials have been lauded by the county’s Department of Tourism manager as a major economic boom to the community, saying, “Our restaurants and hotels are full, and they [exhibitors] shop and visit the businesses of Wicomico County during their stay.” The county official says that dog-show visitors have more positive financial impact on the county than any other type of business travelers or tourists. Much of this success is due to the club’s positive relationship with local businesses, ensuring that exhibitors and their dogs will be graciously received.
The SMKC offers AKC Canine Good Citizen testing and a full slate of training classes to approximately 800 dogs a year, and the club’s Canine Ambassadors have educated thousands of dog lovers of all ages in the county.
“The Salisbury Maryland Kennel Club has done an excellent job of highlighting the economic benefits of AKC dog shows to its community,” said Noreen Baxter, AKC’s VP of Communications. “The relationship the club has with area businesses and dog lovers is an important one. AKC is honored to present its members with this award.”
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. To nominate a club, visit https://www.akc.org/public_education/community_achievement.cfm