Americans have embraced the joys of dog ownership for centuries, from George Washington and his American Foxhounds to George W. Bush and his Scottish Terriers. Today, their roles in society have shifted from hunters and working dogs to primarily family companions.

The American Kennel Club – the nation’s largest registry and leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of purebred dogs – recognizes that canine companionship is not only a right but also a privilege that must be respected and nurtured. In return for this privilege, dog owners need to respect reasonable, enforceable, non-discriminatory legislation governing the ownership of dogs, such as local leash laws, curbing policies and licensing regulations.

Each year the AKC® hosts Responsible Dog Ownership Day on September 17 to educate the dog-loving public about the importance of being a responsible owner. Approximately 500 AKC-affiliated clubs and other organizations around the country participate by holding events in their local communities.

Whether you are looking to add a puppy to your family for the first time or are a lifelong dog lover, we encourage you to “bone up” on responsible dog ownership. The American Kennel Club invites you to celebrate AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day with us on September 17 at Madison Square Park, Fifth Avenue and 23rd St. in New York City from 11 am to 3 pm for Meet the Breeds, the AKC Canine Good Citizen® Test, agility, obedience, dog show, grooming, and first aid demonstrations, as well as games, giveaways and fun for the whole family.

To find a local event in your community visit http://www.akc.org/clubs/rdod/events.

Come. Sit. Stay and learn what it takes to be a responsible dog owner. Your best friend is counting on you.

Lisa Peterson, a long-time breeder of Norwegian Elkhounds, is the Director of Club Communications at the American Kennel Club. Contact her at ask@lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.