Date: November 10, 2009
Contact: AKC Communications
Phone: 212-696-8343
E-mail: communications@ akc.org
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
New Canine Partners Program Welcomes Mixed-Breed Dogs into the World of
AKC.
New York, NY - For the past 125 years, the American Kennel Club® has been the only organized group of dog lovers providing millions of purebred dogs and their owners with engaging, lasting and just plain fun ways to celebrate the canine-human bond. AKC programs span the entire spectrum-from highly competitive events to basic training, from funding research that advances canine health to returning lost dogs home safely- the overall well-being of dogs is the theme that runs consistently throughout all our efforts.
Purebred enthusiasts, by sharing their love of dogs with each other, have sprouted thousands of dog clubs throughout the country. These club members, a dedicated group of volunteers who rally around common goals promoting responsible breeding and dog ownership are the rich soil that all AKC programs grow and thrive from.
Now, we are pleased to be able to extend many of the benefits of AKC affiliation to a whole new audience-mixed breed owners. These millions of dog lovers will now be able to do more with their pets by enjoying the excitement of canine competition and accessing a myriad of other AKC resources and services.
I hope you will join me in encouraging the mixed-breed dog owners that you know to visit www.akccaninepartne rs.org and enroll in AKC Canine Partners. For the $35 enrollment fee, owners will receive benefits including AKC CAR lifetime enrollment, a free AKC collar tag, and a one-year subscription to AKC Family Dog magazine. Come next spring they can participate in stand-alone Agility, Obedience and Rally events. By providing these services to dog owners we can help educate them about living better lives with their dogs, and by including a certificate of recognition and decal with their enrollment, we can enable them to proudly display their association with an organization that stands for responsible dog ownership and canine welfare.
So far, the program is being enthusiastically embraced by the fancy with more than 300 AKC-affiliated clubs-Upper Snake Valley Dog Training Club, Inc. in Idaho being the first-having applied to include mixed-breed classes in an upcoming event. Equally encouraging are the more than 1,150 dogs that have already enrolled in just the first month of the program.
Please help us extend the welcome mat to our mixed-breed friends by encouraging enrollment in AKC Canine Partners and by adding mixed-breed classes to your club's upcoming stand-alone companion events. The program will bring many like-minded people together- those who share our passion for dogs and our commitment to responsible dog ownership, those with the power and desire to contribute to their communities via locally-based clubs and those who embody the AKC mission of being a powerful voice that is "the dog's champion" in every way.
Sincerely,
Ron Menaker
Chairman
I don’t even know if I can write words deemed worthy enough for the amount of cuteness that Monty beholds. Seriously, is he not the most squishable, loveable, huggable, squeezable muffin in all the land? I think I died a little bit when I first saw him.
He is a new addition to a family of Maltese (Abby & Lily) who, in fact, had their annual holiday session a few weeks ago and I’m so terrible I haven’t had time to post some updated photos of those two lovely girls. But trust me, the trio is dyno-mite! So, Abby & Lily had their session and then I’m notified by their parents that Monty’s face apparently got the best of them during an adoption day at the pet supply store. Poof! And then there were three. 
I really couldn’t be happier because I got to play with him and he pretty much rocked my puppy world. A dachshund mix (could be a little wire terrier, could be a little schnauzer) with that awesome wire-ey puff snout that resembles the cutest looking toilet brush you ever would see, he’s got a huge personality.*
He’s super playful but very attentive. He absolutely loves his teeny tiny toys and will go all terrier and dig for treats if they’re somewhere hidden. He’s a giant snuggler and I totally took advantage of that by swaddling him in everything…including a fluffy scarf. He’s amazing! 
He’s a perfect companion and you just cannot get enough of his expressions, it’s ridiculous. I am so happy I was able to photograph him and so happy he got adopted that day! He’s going to have to hold his own with both girls in the house but I think he’ll do just fine. He’s got the charm and the looks. 
*Another client of mind referred to her dog’s snout as a toilet brush so I must give her credit here for that awesome visual.
A girl and her dogs. This session definitely reminded me of when I was a kid, and the special bond I had with my pets. Anna was such a great model and so good with these guys, it made the session really fun! Freddy is the Basenji/German Shepherd, and Robbie is the Finnish Spitz. This was another case of not being able to narrow down my favorites, so get ready for a long post! Doesn’t she have a gorgeous smile!
This was Freddy’s m.o. for most of our session….. looking away and striking handsome poses.
Robbie was a little more into it….
And I did get a nice one of Freddy…..
Thanks for a wonderful session guys!
Just look at that happy face! This is Tank and his happy face is a reflection of all of our happy faces because he’s healthy and back to his young self. You see, Tank uncharacteristically decided to swallow a…um…bra a few months back. We had to reschedule his photo session for much later so that he could heal from his two surgeries. I am SO GLAD everything’s okay and I know it has a lot to do with his absolutely wonderful and caring Mom who offered preventive care when she discovered his appetizer from that evening. 
Tank is a wonderful Lab/Pit mix. He’s smart and has an independent personality but loves the comfort of his human family whom he has to keep tabs on at all times.
And, much to my delight, he is a GIANT Gator fan. If you say, “Go Gators”, he gives you a high five. If you say, “Go Seminoles” he lays down unenthusiastically. It’s awesome. I had to get a photo of him with his favorite Gator football, even at the risk of him “posing”. However, when I saw this photo, I honestly laughed out loud. It’s SO human, old-school, high school football, senior yearbook picture – I was in hysterics. I imagined him in this photo with a New Jersey accent (I don’t know why), all casual and cool like. “Yep, Gatahs fan. Me. Yep. Go Gatahs.” Uga, eat your heart out.
He’s regal and distinguished, just gorgeous, but the way he carries himself is unmistakably “man”.
He totally adores his Mom (as well as his Grandmom) and is a delight to hang out with. A winning personality, which has no doubt influenced his favorite team this year, a handsome face and a funny bone make him a perfect Saturday morning partner. Yes, way better than cartoons for sure.
Thank you Naomi & April for letting Tank roll into my week!
