From my mailbag: The AKC® Humane Fund has announced the winners of the 16th annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). These awards commemorate five loyal, hard-working dogs that have significantly impacted the lives of their owners and people in their communities.
One award is presented in each of the following five categories: Uniformed Service K-9, Service, Therapy, Search and Rescue and Exemplary Companion dog. This year’s winners include a Military Working Dog that protects Presidents, a Great Dane that helps his young owner walk, a therapy dog that comforts military members and their loved ones, a human remains detection dog that brings closure to families and a show dog that serves as an ambassador for purebred dogs.
“Whether they serve as uniformed service, search and rescue, therapy, service, or exemplary companion dogs, each ACE nomination we receive is a testimony to the loyalty, devotion and strength dogs give to us,” said AKC Spokesperson Gina DiNardo. “Each dog’s devotion to their work and the impact they make in their community is an inspiration to dog lovers everywhere.”
All of the ACE recipients will receive $1,000 to be awarded to a pet-related charity of their choice, a one year pet insurance policy from Pet Partners, Inc. and an engraved sterling silver medallion to be presented at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Orlando, Florida on Saturday and Sunday, December 12-13, 2015.
So, over the next five weeks, I’ll be introducing you to one dog each week, leading up to the award presentation. Look for this week’s honoree on Thursday. Watch this space, as they say.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!