title

AKC ®

Responsible Dog Ownership Day 2006

Each year the American Kennel Club, the nation’s largest registry and leading non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of purebred dogs, sponsors “AKC ® Responsible Dog Ownership Day” to educate the dog-loving public about the importance of being a responsible dog owner. AKC ® RDOD is a national initiative with approximately 500 organizations around the country holding community events throughout the month of September.

As the only AKC licensed, non-profit obedience club in Shreveport, Red River Obedience Training Club hosted this local celebration of “AKC ® Responsible Dog Ownership Day” at Mall St. Vincent on Saturday, September 23rd, 2006.

We were fortunate to have several local, non-profit dog-related organizations to participate in this event by presenting demonstrations and information, and by sponsoring contests, raffles, and door-prizes. Mall St. Vincent was very gracious in allowing not only the various clubs to bring dogs for adoptions and for demonstrations, but also in allowing the public to bring their dogs into the mall to enjoy the day as well!

Ms. Lee Ann Blaufuss did a lovely job starting our festivities by singing the National Anthem. To commemorate this event for the city of Shreveport, Mayor Keith Hightower presented our club with a proclamation declaring it "Responsible Dog Ownership Day in the City of Shreveport". Though unable to attend, Mayor "Lo" Walker also sent a proclamation for Bossier City. Following those presentations, representatives from each organization greeted the atendees by speaking briefly on their club's mission, and letting them know what activities they had planned for that day ` and there were many activities for the public to either observe or participate in!

The teenagers from Animal House of Caddo Magnet High School were present to help out as needed. They also made sure the grounds of the mall were maintained and cleaned up after doggie accidents.

Captain Kerry Foster with the Shreveport Fire Department and his team of dogs and handlers were on-site for a demonstration of Search and Rescue techniques. Corporal Arnold with the Shreveport Police Department was accompanied by a dog and officer for an informative presentation on the role Police K-9's play in the department.

Paw Prints Agility Club had several members and their dogs available to demonstrate agility. Their dogs were impressive with their agile maneuvers such as running through tunnels, jumping hurdles, crossing a teeter-totter and weaving through poles on command. They made it look easy, but we know a lot of work goes into such training. We could tell they all had a good time!

Red River Obedience Training Club also had several members on hand for demonstrations of obedience at various levels of training. "Rally" was introduced to spectators; this is a relatively new class of competition obedience that is fun for both the dog and handler. Following a course, the team has to correctly execute the commands on the signs that are stationed throughout the ring. The onlookers were thoroughly impressed with advanced displays of obedience training which included directed jumping, scent discrimination, retrieval and other activities in which the dog and handler work together off leash.

Caddo Caring Canines had quite a presence at the event with their certified therapy dogs, which were available for the public to visit. They also had information on hand for "Safety Around Dogs for Kids". For those wanting to have their dog tested and certified for basic obedience and good manners, this organization also sponsored a Canine Good Citizen Test. This test is open to all dogs, mixed or purebred.

Children attending this event even had their own area in which to read books to Certified Read® Dogs! These dogs have been certified as therapy dogs and have had additional training and certification for this program. The "Read Dog" program allows children the opportunity to sit with and read to these loving and patient dogs without being embarrassed or judged upon their reading skills.

The Shreveport Kennel Club had representatives on-site to provide information regarding responsible breeding, breed registry and how to choose a purebred dog. There were a multitude of purebred dogs participating in this event, and their owners were also available to answer questions and give further information through "Meet the Breed".

The Krewe of Barkus & Meoux had club members and Krewe Royalty Present to promote their mission and to offer information on preventive healthcare for dogs. Their royalty also served as judges for the many contests of the day.

Animal Welfare, Inc. offered spay/neuter vouchers and information on fostering and rescue of animals in need of homes. A few dogs were on hand to meet that were in need of a "forever home".

Owners were offered peace of mind through identification of their dogs with Micro-chipping. Administered courtesy of Dr. Lott of Minden Animal Clinic, and sponsored by Animal Allies of North Louisiana, owners were given a discounted rate to have their information placed in a microchip and injected just under the skin of their dog's neck. This rescue organization also provided information on canine first aid through the sale of American Red Cross manuals.

And last, but not least, the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana had several lovely dogs available for adoption. They also offered information to the public to help them and their pets be prepared for disasters such as the calamity of Hurricane Katrina. This Humane Organization was very involved with the rescue and sheltering of many of the animals evacuated from New Orleans and surrounding areas last year.

Many of the participating organizations sponsored fun contests and free door prizes for the public and their dogs. Entry fees for contests benefited the sponsoring organizations. Liz Swaine, mayoral candidate and current assistant to the Mayor of Shreveport, stopped in to judge some of the contests. Prizes for each contest were also donated by those groups, or on behlf of the groups. The contest categories were quite entertaining and were enjoyed not only by the contestants but by spectators too! Tom Pace, from "Talk of the Town with Tom Pace" of Super Talk 1340 KRMD, entertained the crowd as he emceed a variety of contests:

Best Dog Trick Lowest to the Ground

Best Dressed Pooch Sweetest Dog Story

A Mug Only a Mother Could Love Tail Waggin' Championship

Owner and Dog Look-Alike

Owners with a flair for photography, or perhaps just a lucky shot, had the opportunity to enter their favorite pooch picture in the Amateur Photo Contest. All photos entered had to have a dog as the subject and could not be professionally imaged. This was a tough contest to judge because all the photos entered were really nice, making it a difficult choice for contest judge Tom Pace (also a photography enthusiast). Donated by Cowen Studios, the "Best Photo" winner received a Free Pet Day photo sitting and Free 8x10, a $150 value. Dee's Photo donated gift certificates of $50, $25 and $15 for the remaining category winners. Those categories were "The Aaaaww Factor", "Best Composition" and "Sweetest Dog Picture".

A fun day was had by all and it was our hope that this event would prove to have a "pawsitive" impact on our community. We hope you will make it to the 2007 AKC® Responsible Dog Ownership Day!

Red River Obedience Training Club, Inc. would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and give thanks to people and/or organizations that in some way contributed to the succes of this event, including the public for their attendance and participation. Our gratitude goes out to:

Red River Obedience Training Club, Inc. members for their involvement in planning, preparing and setup.

The American Kennel Club for posting our event information on their website, and for the free event packet.

C. J. Jones and Cumulus Radio for donating the use of their PA system.

Tom Pace from "Talk of the Town with Tom Pace", of Super Talk 1340 KRMD for emceeing, judging, providing on-air radio time to promote the event, and for his general advice & support.

Liz Swaine for taking a little time away from the campaign trail to judge a few contests.

Mayor Keith Hightower of Shreveport and Mayor “Lo” Walker of Bossier City for their proclamations.

The Krewe of Barkus & Meoux, not only for their participation, but for their advice & assistance as needed.

Cowen Studios for donating first prize in the photo contest.

Dee’s Photo for donating 2^nd – 4^th prize in the photo contest.

Dr. Foster Lott of Minden Animal Clinic for donating his time for microchipping.

KEEL Radio Station for providing on-air radio time to promote the event.

Jeff Ferrell and other crew from KSLA News 12 for coverage of the event on the

evening news.

Jan Elkins of KTBS Channel 3 for posting our event on their website.

Lori Tubbs with LSUHSC Communications department for donating her time in making the posters.

Animal House of Caddo Magnet High School for helping out all over and where ever needed.

Animal Allies of North LA, Inc.

Animal Welfare, Inc.

Caddo Caring Canines

Certified Read Dogs

Humane Society of North West Louisiana

Paw Prints Agility Club

Shreveport Kennel Club

Shreveport Police Dept. K-9 Unit

Shreveport Fire Dept. - Search & Rescue

Following is a list of breeds that were available for "Meet the Breed". A thank-you goes out to the owners of these dogs for being available to answer questions and provide information about their special breeds.

American Cocker Spaniel Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd

Bearded Collie Border Collie Boston Terrier

Chow Chow Dalmation Doberman

German Shepherd Dog Golden Retriever Great Dane

Greyhound Hungarian Vizsla Irish Setter

Italian Greyhound Labrador Retriever Miniature Dachshund

Miniature Poodle Scottish Terrier Shetland Sheepdog

Shih Tzu Standard Poodle Toy Poodle

Weimaraner West Highland Terrier Whippet