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The American Kennel Club
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
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February 2005 - As many in the fancy are aware, the
American Kennel Club established the AKC Canine Health Foundation
ten years ago with an original donation of $1 million. Since its
inception the Foundation – a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization – has
contributed over $12 million to help fund canine health studies.
This includes research related to the sequencing of the canine
genome and the health effects of dogs involved in the search and
rescue efforts after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Over the past decade, the fancy – both as
individuals and via AKC's national, local and all-breed clubs – have
given generously to the foundation. Collectively, 250 studies have
been funded. With a mission statement proclaiming “take whatever
actions to protect and assure the continuation of the sport of
purebred dogs,” the AKC realizes that there is little that is more
important than investing in the long-term health and well being of
our beloved dogs. With this in mind, it’s clear that guaranteeing
the successful continuation of the AKC Canine Health Foundation is
crucial and in that vein the goal of building an endowment was born.
An endowment ensures the financial health of an organization and
allows for annual operating costs to be financed by interest as
opposed to donor contributions.
In October of 2004, the AKC Board of
Directors took a significant step towards making this endowment a
reality by authorizing a donation of up to $1 million to the AKC
Canine Health Foundation Endowment Fund. An initial installment of
$500,000 was given outright, while an additional $500,000 in
matching funds is being made available for all new donations
earmarked for the endowment through December 2005. As of this
writing, the foundation has raised nearly $170,000.
These matching funds are in addition to AKC's
annual donations. The American Kennel Club is proud of our
dedication and commitment to canine health. A fiscally strong AKC
allows us to allocate such a considerable donation to this worthy
cause. With a strengthened endowment fund, the Foundation will
continue to support the research that will result in healthier and
longer living dogs. We hope the fancy will help us to meet our goals
on behalf of the ultimate beneficiaries of this effort--our dogs.
For further information visit
www. akcchf.org.
Sincerely,
Ronald H. Menaker
Chairman
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Editor: Very credible and worthy accomplishments regarding
canine health! We are reassured that AKC is back on track
financially. Support for CHF is critical. For those
who may not understand the tax code - and who does? - a
not-for-profit entity such as the AKC must NOT show a “profit”
so it is customary to set up other organizations and foundations
to which funds can be transferred. This strategy insures
operating capitol does not exceed allowed limits for the primary
not-for-profit. AKC’s contributions to the CHF have
enriched researchers and enabled great strides in the diagnosis
and prevention of canine disease. We can expect that AKC
also contributes to worthy organizations and Legislative groups
other than those under its corporate umbrella. That being
so, we ask that AKC join and support
Project 2000
https://www.thedogplace.org/library/prescription_inserts.asp
and
Project 2003
because
DOGS ARE DYING as a result of
uninformed owners and even Veterinarians who are so busy caring
for dogs that preventative or adverse reaction risks are often
overlooked!
AKC PUBLICATIONS HONORED AT
ANNUAL DWAA DINNER
-- AKC Gazette Again Named Best All-Breed Magazine --
February, 2005 The
American Kennel Club Publication Division was honored to receive
five awards at the annual Dog Writers Association of America
(DWAA) dinner. The AKC Gazette, The
Official Journal for the Sport of Purebred Dogs, which has been
continuously published since 1889, won for a second consecutive
year in the category of “Best All-Breed Magazine.”
AKC Family Dog, the quarterly magazine for purebred pet
owners launched two years ago, was recognized for “Best
Editorial/Opinion/Essay” in a magazine for Michael Rosen’s
“Slumber Sweet” and for “Best Subject Related Series” for Jodi
Anderson’s “Problem Solver.” In addition, the AKC’s
2003 Annual Report won in the category of “Poster or
Special Publication” and the AKC Jr. News newsletter took
home the ASPCA’s Humane Issues Special Award for Tom Eldredge’s
“Baloo’s HT.”
"We are proud to continue the
standard of excellence for which AKC publications are known,”
said George Berger, AKC Publisher. “The DWAA event is a
wonderful opportunity to get to know our peers and be recognized
amongst them.”
Editor: CONGRATULATIONS! Awards well deserved. The
Gazette has consistently improved, particularly after it Show
Awards split off. People were a little skeptical but it
has all been for the good. Ditto the AKC Family Dog, a
great little publication that is probably giving other magazine
publishers some sleepless nights. It is great for new
owners and breeders alike and we wish the Publication Division
continued success.
AKC NOW ALLOWS DNA RESULTS TO
BE TRANSFERRED FROM OTHER REGISTRIES
February 2005
– The AKC is now
accepting DNA results produced by MMI Genomics through
other registries, such as the Field Dog Stud Book.
The move will allow coonhound and field dog customers who have
already processed their DNA through MMI Genomics to transfer DNA
records so the dog can become AKC DNA certified.
Previously, the AKC did not
accept DNA record transfers and if dogs met the Frequently Used
Sire DNA requirement the owner was required to submit a sample
through the AKC DNA certification department at a cost of
$35-40. Now, AKC is offering a reduced rate of $20 per dog
to transfer the DNA data and store the information.
“Permitting the transfer of DNA records allows improved service
to new customers without compromising our high standards for
quality, data integrity and DNA ownership rights,” said Tom
Sharp, Assistant Vice President of Compliance for the AKC.
“Along with ease of registration, a broad network of clubs, and
exciting events, this initiative will go a long way in
bolstering the number of registrations as well as dogs eligible
to participate in AKC Coonhound Events and Field Trials.”
To
transfer DNA records to AKC, dog owners must complete an AKC DNA
transfer kit, which can be ordered via the AKC online store or
by calling AKC DNA Operations at (919) 816-3560. Customers will
need to include a copy of the MMI Genomics DNA Certificate and a
new DNA sample on the Foam Tip Applicator (FTA) card along with
a properly completed DNA transfer form. This FTA sample
will be archived by the AKC, and if a question arises about a
dog’s DNA profile, or the parentage of the dog or its offspring
is in question, the FTA sample will be processed by MMI Genomics
to confirm the dog’s DNA profile.
Editor: Sounds great eh? But what does it really mean?
After always trying to ignore the United Kennel Club, often to
the detriment of canine progress and the frustration of those
who love both registries,
why the sudden reversal?
As I told Daisy Okas, AVP – Communications, this is hard for me
to get personally excited about. Those who have read the
AKC announcement
AKC Treeing The UKC Coonhound Breeds
regarding not just “accepting” but GOING AFTER the UKC Coonhound
breeds (read that as Registrations and
Events Income)
may be skeptical of this seemingly glowing news. Word has
it that AKC couldn't woo hunters into seeking AKC registration.
Not if they had to pay forty bucks to DNA dogs that are already
DNA’d by exactly the same lab. No, hunters are a pretty
sophisticated bunch of people and they said “Thanks but no
thanks” to the AKC’s open arms invitation. Now this
provocative proclamation!! Go figure!
AKC SEEKS
ENTRIES FOR 6th ANNUAL AWARDS FOR CANINE EXCELLENCE
Is
Your Dog Among the Country’s Bravest, Boldest, and Best
Companions?
February 2005 - Is your
canine the kind that always lifts your spirits when you’re
feeling blue? Do you know a dog that helps the sick feel
better? Heard of a pooch who played a role in a dramatic rescue?
If so, what better way to pay tribute to a deserving dog than by
nominating him for an Award for Canine Excellence (ACE)?
An American Kennel Club (AKC) ACE award is a national honor,
given to only five dogs each year who have performed an
exemplary act or series of acts, whether large or seemingly
small, that have significantly benefited a community or
individual. One award is given in the following five
categories: law enforcement, search and rescue, therapy,
service, and exemplary companion dog. When
appropriate, dogs earning honorable mention will be cited.
In addition to the prestige of
being chosen from hundreds of entries, each of the five honorees
receives a cash award of $1,000, an engraved sterling silver
collar medallion and an all-expenses-paid trip for dog and owner
to Tampa, FL, to be honored at the
AKC/Eukanuba National Championship
in January, 2006.
The engraved names of the five recipients will also be added to
the ACE plaque that is on permanent display in the AKC Library
in New York City. Dogs receiving honorable mention will be
awarded an engraved bronze medallion. All entrants will receive
an AKC ACE Certificate of Recognition in acknowledgement of
their nomination.
Anyone, including the dog owner
or handler, may submit a nomination. Submissions for the
American Kennel Club Awards for Canine Excellence for 2005
must include:
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A non-returnable,
original photograph of the dog. Hi-resolution electronic photos
(300dpi and at least 5x7 inches or, 72dpi at least 20x30 inches)
are permissible but not scans.
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A
500-word-or-less description of how the dog has demonstrated
excellence.
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Dog’s call name,
registered name if applicable, breed, age and sex.
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Owner/Nominator
name(s), address, phone number. E-mail address if available.
*Please note that to be
considered, dogs must be AKC registered or registrable.
Nominations will be accepted
until June 15, 2005 and should be sent to:
Ronald N. Rella: ACE Awards
2005
The American Kennel Club
260 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor
New York, New York 10016
Email submissions:
ACEAwards2005@akc.org
Editor: Whoever came up with this deserves a pat on the
back – and a hug!! This has proven to be a popular and
long overdue award. Someone at AKC has been watching
Animal Planet but regardless of the inspiration, this is a
meaningful Award and we encourage you to submit a dog you know.
In fact, cc us the particulars, and with AKC
permission, we will publish the contenders as well as the Five
Winners.
Your comments are welcome. |
