As the role of the AHA and Pedigree becomes more convoluted in the matter of a $2,000 grant for purebred rescue groups, most, if not all, parent clubs are rejecting this act of so-called “largesse.” Rightly so, in my opinion, too. The strings attached to those monies were beyond comprehension. What's our role in this contretemps, one may ask. Well, first of all, when AKC got the initial call from a Pedigree consultant, this news was passed on to us, and editorially and in several columns, we applauded the offer. We were told Pedigree was giving $2,000 to each parent club's breed rescue. AKC was told the same thing, and based upon that 
statement, AKC gave the Pedigree consultant a one-time-use list of all parent club presidents and delegates. The rest, of course, is history.
The consultant sent out a letter with the following stipulation, as well as complex publicity and PR and informational requirements. I print these provisions as they apply to the controversy (this is a condensed but accurately printed copy of what was sent to all parent club presidents, but to no delegates, as originallyrequested):
By now you may have heard the good news: an outpouring of consumer support has netted a total donation amount of more than $1.6 million. What's more, a portion of those funds has been allocated to support deserving breed rescue organizations. As a result, one breed rescue organization representative of each of the 156 recognized breeds will receive a check for $2,000 FROM THE AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION (Ed note: Emphasis mine), on behalf of Pedigree and the Westminster Kennel Club.
• If the selected organization is not currently a member of the American Human Association, IT MUST AGREE 
TO BECOME ONE VIA AN ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE OF $59 (Ed. Note: Again, emphasis mine), which can be deducted from the donation check. There is no obligation to renew the membership after the initial one-year term agreement.
• Must agree to undertake and abide by all public relations, publicity, photographic and informational/reporting conditions of the grant.
• Must sign, date and submit the following documents, enclosed for your convenience:
• Agreement Form
• American Humane Association Second Chance Fund Breed-Specific Rescue Application
• Photo Release Form
• Membership Application (if applicable)
We first got wind of what was actually going on when Jeff Pepper partially disclosed the terms on a parent club 
posting. When we, one or two weeks later, the actual Pedigree proposal, we were as shocked and dismayed as when we saw Jeff’s abbreviated posting. We called AKC, which expressed similar feelings.
I then called the Pedigree consultant, who asked me to e-mail him my questions, as he would not discuss the matter by phone. I did so, and here is a copy of that e-mail:
As I told you on the phone, I am more than perplexed about the letter you sent to the Parent Clubs with regard to the $2,000 donation for breed rescues. I was initially informed that Pedigree had offered $2,000 per club for breed club rescue. Editorially, we applauded this move. Now comes your letter indicating, “One breed rescue organization…will receive a check from the American Humane Association on behalf of Pedigree and the Westminster Kennel Club.” This is totally different than what we had reported in DOG NEWS. When I called AKC about this discrepancy, they explained that Pedigree never disclosed the involvement of AHA or Westminster in this project. They were simply advisedby you that Pedigree was making a $2,000 donation to every Parent Club for the purpose of breed rescue. AKC stated they agreed to furnish you with a contact for each club's president, and they requested you to copy every Delegate, and supplied those names to you as well on that basis. Obviously, from our standpoint, a clarification is needed. May I have yours or your company's explanation in this matter?
Thank you in advance.
That was sent Friday, April 27. No answer was received, so on Tuesday, April 30,I sent another e-mail request for an answer. No response, again, as of May 1. I also called Westminster, whose representative expressed surprise, too, at the requiring of membership in AHA as a pre-requisite for this grant. Throughout these unhappy proceedings came the news of the involvement of AHA as a supporter of California Bill AB 1634. More fuel for the fire and more questions as to why any parent breed club would be asked to join an 
organization which supports a flawed (to be nice about it) spay-and-neuter bill. It also would, as written, prevent people from outside of California from attending dog shows there without paying a fine of $500 per dog.
It's a sad commentary to think that one of the most ardent and steadfast supporters of the purebred dog in America, Pedigree, owned by Masterfoods, which is headed by Mars Incorporated, would so react. To further upset the apple cart comes Royal Canin, which seems to be replacing Pedigree as the Mars and Masterfoods representative for the purebred dog. Royal Canin, of course, being totally interrelated with the Mars/Masterfoods conglomerate. It makes me nervous about the new role of Royal Canin, or am I overreacting to the Pedigree fiasco and the apparent overlapping corporate relationship?
On a much brighter score, I call to your attention the perfectly executed and presented visualization of the Bouvier des Flandres breed standard, conceptualized and illustrated by the incomparable Chet Jezierski. If you don't have a copy, get one post haste. Furthermore, if your breed club is looking to do something similar, I'd talk to Chet, for sure. What he charges, I have no idea, but it is well worth it at any cost is my thinking. •
