-- AKC Award Programs Recognize
Outstanding Contributions of Both People and Dogs --
Just like
the recent Academy Awards, AKC has its own awards programs to
recognize the contributions and notable deeds among our dogs and our
people.
The AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award – founded in 2006 –
recognizes the hard work and dedication of our volunteer club
members. Each year, the AKC provides an Outstanding Sportsmanship
medallion to be awarded based on criteria that a member club
selects. Once a recipient has been selected we add their name to the
list of winners on the AKC website.
Another distinguished award – established in 1998 – is the Lifetime
Achievement Award. These awards recognize those who have spent a
majority of their lives dedicated to the sport and to the dogs. Past
honorees have included dog world greats such as Dorothy Nickles,
Rachel Page Elliot, Dr. M. Josephine Deubler, Michelle Billings and
Jane Forsyth, just to name a few.
Only AKC member clubs are able to cast a vote for this award. For
the first time this year, we have distributed the initial round of
ballots to member clubs via e-mail. We ask that you please submit
your choices for nominees by May 7th. Clubs may submit one nominee
in each of three categories: Conformation, Companion Events and
Performance.
Three nominees receiving the most votes in each category will be
selected as finalists. Later in the year member clubs get to chose
the winner in each category. We look forward to your continued
participation in this selection process.
Finally, the award program where we receive the most amazing,
heart-felt stories continues to be our AKC Humane Fund Awards for
Canine Excellence or "ACE" awards. For the 11th year we will be
selecting dogs that have performed exemplary acts in one of five
categories: Companion, Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Service,
and Therapy.
Heroes, like dogs, come in all shapes and sizes. ACE nominees range
from skilled assistance dogs to brave law enforcement K-9s, as well
as comforting therapy dogs. Each year when we review all of the ACE
nominations, it becomes clear the increasingly important role dogs
play in our day-to-day lives as well as to protect and serve our
nation.
We encourage you to nominate a dog that has touched a life in some
way or made the world a better place. The new deadline for
submission is June 1st. For more information about ACE or any of
AKC’s award programs please visit www.akc.org. We look forward to
recognizing the people and dogs that have touched our lives.
Sincerely,
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