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This Thursday, September 17, 2009, marks AKC's 125th
anniversary. Since 1884, we have maintained the definitive registry of purebred
dogs and governed thousands of annual canine competitions. We have always
remained true to our original mission of promoting the sport and breeding for
type and function but have also continually broadened our purview. Advancing
canine health, upholding the integrity of the registry, protecting the rights
of all dog owners and promoting responsible dog ownership have all been
priorities for many decades. As we celebrate our latest birthday, we can
proudly say that the AKC is the leading animal welfare organization for dogs.
Beyond this year being a historic milestone, the AKC has seen the introduction
of many new programs and initiatives that mark our continued commitment to all
dogs. We launched our S.T.A.R Puppy program, an offshoot of our popular AKC
Canine Good Citizen® test which more than 600,000 dogs have taken since its
inception in 1989; held an enthusiastic first meeting of the Canine Health
& Welfare Advisory Panel and launched www.akcdoghealth.com to collectively
share information and promote greater public awareness about health concerns
relevant to all dogs; and, as of October 1, 2009, we will welcome mixed-breeds
into the AKC Canine Partners program which will offer access to the world of
AKC, including competition in companion events. Our affiliates also saw high
points this year: AKC Companion Animal Recovery enrolled its four millionth
companion animal and the AKC Canine Health Foundation funded its 550th research
grant.
Throughout the year, a special 125th Anniversary logo has been widely used and
is currently featured in an advertising campaign in Dog World, Dog Fancy, Pet
Age and Pet Business magazines.
The dog-loving public is also celebrating with us in a variety of ways. We are
looking forward to our first stand-alone Meet the BreedsTM event in New York
City in October. And, to reflect on the role dogs have played in our culture
and personal lives throughout the years, we've collaborated on a poll on AOL's
Paw Nation Web site. This interactive look at memorable canines from different
categories such as movies, music, cartoons, mascots and others will help us
select the "125 Top Dogs in Popular Culture" in celebration of our
anniversary. Visit www.pawnation.com to vote for your favorites.
In November, a new book titled Dogs: The First 125 Years of the American Kennel
Club, will be available as an update to the well-known AKC Sourcebook last
printed in 1984. This new hardcover chronicles the history of the sport and the
AKC and features many highlights and famous competitors from the past 125
years.
And wrapping up the year's festivities will be a spectacular dog show -- an
open-entry AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Over 260,000 square feet of
space will be utilized for Conformation, 30,000 square feet for Obedience, and
a 60,000 square foot tent will host our AKC Agility Invitational (this unique
structure has been used at four Superbowls and the Democratic National
Convention). AKC Meet the Breeds® will continue to be one of the many signature
events taking place over this weekend.
Further commemorating the show will be an online catalog permanently archived
at www.akc.org/catalogphotos where exhibitors can post up to four photos of
their dogs. We are pleased to have the participation of more than 130 parent
clubs holding specialties and supported entries and hope exhibitors will enjoy
the variety of medallions, mementos and other keepsakes being offered to
remember this anniversary experience.
We hope you are making plans to join us in Long Beach, Calif. on Dec. 12 and 13
for what promises to be AKC's biggest birthday party ever. I couldn't be
prouder to wish the AKC a happy 125th birthday and am confident we'll see many
more "yappy" returns.
Sincerely,
Ron Menaker
Chairman
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