The Future of Our Sport

By Cindy Knox, Arapahoe Kennel Club President

Over the years I have heard many comments about the demise of our sport. These comments are generally followed with much discussion and comments about what AKC should do. The commenters do nothing until the next conversation or comment on social media again about the demise of our sport with again many comments but little to no action.

The American Kennel Club’s Pee Wee Handler program actually offers clubs a method to begin to shape what young children see and learn about the sport of purebred dogs. Arapahoe Kennel Club located in Aurora, Colorado took this program and ran it for the first tie last year. I must say that for many seeing all those adorable Pee Wee Handlers and their parents in the ring brought so many smiles and also a tear or two. The event was well received by our members, spectators and visiting dignitaries there to present the Best in Show trophies.

This year’s program included 16 Pee Wee Handler’s, their parents and their dogs. Each child was offered the opportunity to show their dog to our Pee Wee Handler judge Kathy Carter and when completed each Pee Wee was given a rosette then allowed to choose a toy for their dog and received an apron with Pee Wee Handler emblazoned on the front of the apron. One of the highlights for me personally was seeing how excited these kids were to put on their aprons and attach their rosettes.

So the next time you hear comments about the demise of our sport please use it as a teaching moment and make everyone aware of this awesome program available from the American Kennel Club. Vice President Alan Slay oversees the program on behalf of AKC.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Oct 24 2017. Filed under Featured, The Buzz. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.