Question of the Week

Janice Leonard

Denver, Colorado

My husband and I belong to two all-breed clubs, life members of one and the other just started in 2006. We did not need an invitation to join either. 

We are dedicated to the sport of dogs and realize the future of dog clubs relies on attracting the younger generations to supporting show-giving clubs.

Betty Abbott

Monterey, Tennessee

I do still belong. I know this because of the notifications of upcoming meetings and their programs. I had no problem joining, and spent time being the show secretary for five shows, back when only one show a year was allowed.

As the show secretary, I learned what was needed to become a recognized club, and my husband and I were informed enough to establish an Australian Shepherd club, which was greatly needed.

All in all, totally enjoyable, and one of my very closest friends, who stepped in to care for our Collies following a near-death auto accident, is still a very close friend.

Best wishes to all who need and get encouragement.

Adrian Woodfork

Sacramento, California

Yes, I belong to a kennel club. I am the president of the Donner Trail Kennel Club.

Lorraine Wegmann Bisso

Metairie, Louisiana 

Absolutely! My local club, the Louisiana Kennel Club, founded in 1916, has an open application process. Belonging to a club offers an opportunity to meet people with shared interests, find or be a mentor, grow in the sport, understand the economics of shows AND their impact on your community, and sustain your own interest. Dog shows just don’t happen. An event requires an organization. If you want to have shows to attend, then you need to get involved and be part of the process. Otherwise, you are that person who enjoys other people’s hospitality, but never returns the invitation. Please don’t say, “I just want to show my dog.” Many issues, from judges panels to NOHS, could benefit from your input rather than complaints.

Alan Sorkin’s quote, “Decisions are made by those who show up,” is one of my favorites. Club membership represents an opportunity to show up and make a difference.

Lilian Barber

Menifee, California

Yes, I am a life member of the Kennel Club of Palm Springs. I joined the club in 1978, not long after my husband retired from the Navy and we moved to Southern California. It was not difficult to become a member after completing the application and attending the required number of meetings. I have since then served as vendor chair, a member of the board of directors, secretary and several years as president of the club. I am too old now to do much of anything really active, but I am still a member of the board. 

Rosemary W. Leist

Clackamas, Oregon

I belong to two of our local all-breed kennel clubs. Dog Fanciers of Oregon was by invitation only at that time, me by the president; the other is Tualatin Kennel Club, which I joined because at the time their shows were small, and fun: Hawaiian theme that all participated in by clothing, etc. 

Jody Daulton

Columbus, Ohio

Yes, I am a member of my local all-breed club (and a member of my breed club). I had to apply to both; it went before the board/membership to be accepted.

Rich Bergman

Lakeside, California

Yes, I am vice president and a life member of Del Sur Kennel Club in San Diego County. I am also a life member of Greater San Diego County Whippet Association. 

The biggest problem we have, as most of the all-breed clubs have, is attracting new members. We have experimented with many ways and things to alleviate this problem, yielding very limited results. It has been very difficult to even put on our all-breed shows with fewer remaining much older members. 

AKC’s national advertising philosophy leaves a lot to be desired. The number of litters per year has significantly dropped for many reasons. Most of the dog-desiring people now want designer dogs and mutts instead of purebreds.

Paul Clas and Chrystal Murray 

Hanover, Pennsylvania

Chrystal and I belong to the Carroll Kennel Club. The process of joining was fairly easy. Usually two club members are happy to sponsor the applicant. The application is read for two meetings and then voted on. I like the process. It’s a nice formality without being too restrictive. 

Marlene Groves

Kiowa, Colorao

I am a member of a two local all-breed kennel clubs; I am a board member for one and a former board member for the other. Both all-breed clubs have smaller memberships than when I first joined them (many reasons for that). Both all-breed clubs have a pretty simple process for joining – an application with two member signatures and attending two meetings. I think the issue for getting people to join and participate is not the application process; I like to say that clubs need to make a seat at the table for new people. (These clubs do this fairly well, though some long-time club members do often resist change and giving up a seat or task.) From the club’s side of things, the issue is not just getting members to join the club, but to get people “truly willing to help.” Many people seem to join a club so they can vote on judges or get better grooming spaces, or, or, or. Clubs need people who will join and help! (Not say they will do a task only to then forget it or say they had no time for it; or to not be willing to help with anything at the clubs shows or events.) Everyone is busy, but clubs need good participating members to put on events!

Oh, I will add that I am also a member and board member of a local (non-AKC-sanctioned) breed club. Long story as to why we are not AKC; but my breed has far too many people not affiliated with a dog or breed club. Folks need to remember that early on with AKC, the point of a dog club was to organize “local dog people.” This club has done a great job at that.  Membership is to “anyone with our breed” — show, rescue, pet, etc. And little by little this club gets people interested in dog events, from trailing, dock diving, Fast CAT, getting CGCs and, yep, even a few stepped up to showing! Sometimes ya gotta think outside the box and find a lane to drive in; and of course, you gotta “be the change you want to see”!

Sylvia Arrowwood

Charleston, South Carolina

"Belong" to local kennel club, yes. The important questions are "Show Up" and "Work/Help Out." I feel the process to join is too easy. Oftentimes, after joining, the new members disappear from meetings and do not attend the shows to help out. They seek membership as a credential for one reason or another, but it is not to be a helpful working member.

Mary Dukes

Marshville, North Carolina

Yes. Piedmont Kennel Club.

I had to fill out an application and attend three meetings prior to being voted on by membership. My home had to be checked out by a designated member to make sure I wasn't a puppy mill. (I guess the club had an issue in the past.) I have two pet Whippets, so not a problem. Then voted on, dues paid, and in. This particular club is very active and welcoming to new members, which is part of the reason I joined.

Julie Lux

Missouri

When we joined the Heart of America Kennel Club 30 years ago, we were invited to join. Today, interested people are welcome to submit a membership application. However, as it was then, applicants are still required to attend meetings and volunteer at club activities before their membership is approved by the board.

Delores Burkholder

Rockton, Illinois

I am assistant show chair for Blackhawk and Kishwaukee kennel clubs. Our four shows are part of a 10-day cluster.

Allan Reznik

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Indeed, I do. I have two local all-breed kennel clubs, and am a longtime member of both. Joining was easy for both. I am also a member of both my parent clubs (Afghan Hounds and Tibetan Spaniels), have served on the board of both, and am a member of several other national clubs, including Morris & Essex and Dog Judges Association of America. 

Marcia Feld                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Libertyville, Illinois

I have belonged to two local clubs, both for nearly 50 years: Park Shore Kennel Club and the Chicago Miniature Schnauzer Club.

When I bought my first mini, the breeder introduced me to the club. I do not remember the club’s requirements, but I know there were some. I joined because there were many good programs at the meetings, and I was hooked on the dog-show clubs.

I joined the Park Shore club at the suggestion of my dear friend Mabel (Jinx) Gunville. I do remember that there was a requirement for attending maybe two meeting. 

Peter Kubacz

Jackson, New Jersey

I am very proud to be a part of three great clubs here in New Jersey. I joined our local Irish Setter club, the Eastern Irish Setter Association, and the New Brunswick Kennel Club with my family many years ago back in my youth. I’ve served on the board of Eastern Irish Setter Association for more than 10 years, and make sure to be available the days before our March Madness Cluster in March to help set up the building for New Brunswick weekend.

Eight years ago, the members of Westchester Kennel Club invited me to join, which I graciously accepted. I have spent many a Tuesday afternoon at North Branch Park helping set up the grounds as well. Westchester rules don’t allow members or family members to show or have dogs shown the day of the show. As I’m the youngest member of the club, this usually means my white pants are the dirtiest, as I’m the most willing to help pick things up and put them down.