StuffStuffStuffNovember2014

A Few Updates & Releases from AKC:

1. Dogs + Ebola: What Every Owner Needs to Know

from the American Kennel Club and the AKC Canine Health Foundation

In recent weeks, dog owners, supporters and donors have looked to the AKC Canine Health

Foundation and the American Kennel Club for credible information regarding Ebola virus in dogs.

At issue is whether humans can get Ebola from dogs, and whether dogs can even get Ebola in a

form that is transmittable. Due to the complexities of the virus, only time and research will answer

these questions.

“In humans, Ebola virus is detected using a diagnostic test for Ebola RNA. In dogs, scientists will

have to establish the presence of Ebola virus RNA along with whether the virus is replication

competent and infectious,” said Shila Nordone, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer for the AKC Canine

Health Foundation. “Only then will we have evidence that canine infection is a public health threat.

All told, this will take many months.”

Dr. J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, a preeminent expert on infectious disease transmission

in the dog, as well as the AVMA have provided the most current consensus opinions on Ebola in the

dog.

Over the next several months as research advances, AKC CHF and the American Kennel Club will

keep the public updated on any and all progress made to better understand the role of the dog as a

reservoir for the Ebola virus. Visit www.akcchf.org and www.akc.org for all the latest.

2. New Federal Regulations Protect Canine Health and Restrict the Age of Puppies Imported for Resale.
Monday, August 18, 2014
PRESS RELEASE

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS)
today released new regulations, effective November 17, that will restrict the importation of puppies younger
than 6 months of age into the continental United States for the purpose of resale, research or veterinary
treatment. The new regulations do not restrict individuals who wish to import dogs they intend to keep
for personal use, such as a pet or as part of a breeding program.

The AKC is pleased about the finalization of these regulations, which implement an amendment to the 2008 Farm Bill
(Pub. L. 110-246/ 7 U.S.C. 2148) supported and developed by the American Kennel Club and a number of other animal
welfare groups. The rule addresses public health concerns about the large numbers of puppies that are imported
with little oversight into the United States for the purpose of resale or adoption.The AKC supported and provided
some remarks during the rule’s public comment in September - October 2011.

The rule is designed to assure the health and welfare of dogs that are imported into the US from overseas. In many
cases, these animals come from unknown origins (strays or street dogs) or unregulated high volume commercial
breeders and may pose health and temperament risks to both the human and canine populations they come into contact
with. The measure is expected to curtail the ”dumping” of puppies from unknown origins or substandard breeding
facilities on US markets, where in many cases they may be marketed as "rescues”.

Strong enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act is supported by the American Kennel Club and other animal welfare
organizations who recognize that that a large number of puppies are being bred overseas and imported into the United
States in order to bypass the welfare regulations and standards required of U.S. breeders. In many cases, irresponsibly
bred and undocumented foreign puppies end up at shelters, rescues or other informal or unregulated retail venues.
Diseases borne by such animals can create public health risks for both animal and human populations.

3. Canine Good Citizen® Becomes a Title.

As of January 1, 2013, Canine Good Citizen® will become an official AKC title that can appear on the title records of dogs registered or listed with AKC. Dog owners who complete the CGC as a Title process may list the suffix “CGC” after the dog’s name.

Since the program began in 1989, CGC™ has been considered an “award,” meaning that it has not been listed on a dog’s title record.

As a result of frequent, ongoing requests from dog owners and instructors for AKC to recognize CGC as a title, dog owners will have the option of having CGC added to their dog’s title record and appear as a part of the dog’s titled name.

There will be a grandfathering procedure for the new title. Owners of dogs who are on record as having already earned the CGC (i.e., you got a CGC certificate) after January 1, 2001 will be able to apply to have the CGC listed on the dog’s title record.

Simply download and complete the "Add Canine Good Citizen to your Dog’s Title Record (The Grandfathering Form)" form and submit the form with the $20 processing fee. Regardless of when the form is received by the AKC, The Grandfathering Application will not be processed until on or after Tuesday, January 1, 2013.

Honey the home work dog - Steiger photo

4. AKC Expands Therapy Dog Titling Program.

New York, NY – In an effort to honor the thousands of therapy dog teams that make a difference in the lives of others daily, the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) has added four new titles to the popular AKC Therapy DogTM program.

In addition to the AKC Therapy Dog (ThD) title (awarded after 50 visits), the AKC now offers:

AKC Therapy Dog Novice (ThDN) – Awarded after 10 visits

AKC Therapy Dog Advanced (ThDA) – Awarded after 100 visits

AKC Therapy Dog Excellent (ThDX) – Awarded after 200 visits

AKC Distinguished Therapy Dog (ThDD) – Awarded after 400 visits

“The AKC heard from many dog owners whose dogs had already earned the ThD title and who wanted additional formal recognition of their ongoing commitment to volunteering to help others. We’re pleased to expand the AKC Therapy Dog program as a result of these requests,” said Doug Ljungren, Vice President of AKC Sports and Events. “We’ve also added a way to acknowledge beginning therapy dogs, hoping that this will encourage even more dogs and owners to participate in therapy dog work.”

To apply for a title or learn more about the AKC Therapy Dog program, visit http://www.akc.org/dogowner/therapy/index.cfm.

What to do if your if your dog is LOST – SEE HERE

Important information to consider before hiring a tracking team to help find a lost pet. - SEE HERE

How to catch a loose dog without chasing him/her.

A Few Updates & Releases from AKC:

What to do if your if your dog is LOST – SEE HERE

Embroidered Club Gear ~ Contact Suzy Zeh or 1.888.828-5445

Posters for the Basenji Health Endowment

Lunetta/Kamen BHE Quilt, Kiafrika Azima, Kiafrika Azima 2, Twin Towers Tight Rope, The Bakers’ Dozen.

Signed, limited edition, archival prints of all 5 posters still available.

The Whole Dog Journal

SitStay.com - Fido Fleece coats

Glitter lure coursing jackets + non-glitter too - Donna Rotman Miner

KV Vet - (800) 423-8211

Cherrybrook