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GZFROM THE CHAIRMANAt the June DelegatesMeeting, we spoke of proposednew regulations inthe Animal Welfare Actand the onerous impact onAKC fancy breeders, like you and me.We were determined to act quickly andwith great purpose.And we did.AKC Government Relations developedcomprehensive, compassionate, andconvincing comments requiring arethink of the USDA proposal.Thousands of you took action andoffered constructive comments, also. Andthe petition we started, advocating forthe AKC position, ignited the passionatesupport of over 70,000 people. We madeour voice heard strongly and undeniably.The quest for equitable regulations willcontinue for some time. This was just thebeginning of a long journey, one we areprepared for and committed to for aslong as it takes.The Dog-friendly SkiesEarlier this year I was travelling toNew York for an AKC board meetingwith these anti-breeder actions on mymind. I was approached by a flight attendantshortly after boarding the plane. Shehad noticed my AKC Breeder of Meritpin and asked if I was a dog breeder. Iresponded yes and steeled myself forwhat she might say next. I was trulyunprepared for it.She said, “Thank you.”She explained that a dog has alwaysbeen an important part of her life, herchildren’s lives, and now her grandchildren’slives. Each a purebred dog, albeitseveral different breeds, and eachacquired from a breeder.She understood that it was breederswho made possible the lifelong joy herdogs brought her. She just wanted me toknow my role as a breeder was appreciatedand worthwhile.Unfortunately, every day we are confrontedby those who see breeders verydifferently—those who work, law byrestrictive law, to take our rights away.Every day we fight to protect thoserights from the extremists who wouldsee breeding restricted to the point ofelimination.We Will Not Stand ByThe American Kennel Club believesin your rights as responsible owners andbreeders. We stand up for your rightswherever and whenever necessary. Wewill not stand by and let breeders be bulliedinto hiding.To ensure that will not happen, weneed more than a strong argument aboutwhat we are against; we need to be justas strong about what it is we are for.This month we have the perfectopportunity, with hundreds of our clubsparticipating in the 10th annual AKCResponsible Dog Ownership Day byhosting free community events that reachdog lovers, potential pet owners, voters,and legislators.We welcome AKC clubs, CGC evaluators,rescue groups, dog trainers, vetclinics, and all dog-loving groups whohave joined us in making this the biggestmonth-long celebration yet. Last year,more than 630 organizations hostedevents reaching millions through extensivemedia coverage. Dog lovers alsoposted thousands of “Acts of ResponsibleDog Ownership” on our Facebook andTwitter pages to help us celebrate“Virtual AKC RDO Days.” This year,follow us to get AKC RDO Daysupdates and participate in our virtual celebration.President Kennedy had an inspiringthought that I believe applies to us: “Oneperson can make a difference, and everyperson should try.”We not only have that responsibilityfor individual activism, but also arequirement for collective action. Bydoing both, we will shape our ownfuture and ensure our rights as responsibledog owners and breeders.Together, we will continue to stand upfor what we believe.Together, we will continue to fight forour rights.Together, we are truly the Dog’sChampion.Sincerely,Alan KalterChairmanSARDelegateHonoredAt the September DelegateMeeting, English Springer SpanielPride ’n Joy’s Juno-Lupa andBeckie Stanevich, AKC delegatefrom the Mountaineer Kennel Club(pictured with Alan Kalter), wererecognized as the first dog andhandler to receive the AKC UrbanSearch and Rescue (SAR) title. TheFEMA-certified team deploys tofederal disaster sites.The ceremony was held on the11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorattacks.More on this and other DelegateMeeting news in the next GAZETTE.MICHAEL LIOSIS ©AKCA K C G A Z E T T E • 4 • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 2