AKC recognizes top dogs

All our dogs have special meaning to us, but this week the American Kennel Club recognized five that can be called very, very special. They're the winners of the AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE), which recognizes loyal, hard-working dogs that serve and assist their owners and/or their communities.

The awards are given in five categories: law enforcement, search and rescue, therapy, service and exemplary companion dog. Winners receive $1,000 and engraved collar medallions that will be awarded at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, Calif., on Dec. 12.

You can read about the winning dogs on the AKC site, but a couple that stand out are Electra, an eight-year-old Standard Poodle and former show dog that has been a constant companion to Mandy Willis of Valrico, Fla., who was diagnosed with cancer last year; and Robin, a six-year-old Golden Retriever owned by Joseph and Mary MacQueen of Frewsburg, N.Y., that works with area law enforcement and is responsible for taking about $500,000 worth of illegal drugs off the streets.

Congratulations to the winners.