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. Some 350 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.

This year Newtown has quite an event hosted by Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital. They invite you to celebrate AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day with AKC on Sunday, September 10 at their facility at 119 Mount Pleasant Road, from 10 am to 4 pm. Dr. Brian Silverlieb and his staff will be offering –

AKC Canine Good Citizen® testing with AKC CGC Evaluator Peggy Reed, a trainer from Cassio Kennels; microchipping of your pet; a visit with representatives of local Greyhound rescue; a visit with Canine Advocates of Newtown and some of the Katrina Dogs; an information booth for Animal Center of Newtown; a discussion by Delta Pet Partners representatives on Therapy Dogs; contests in hot dog catching, clean plate, best kisser and “Rover Says”; a meet and great with Pom Pom, the rescued Pomeranian recuperating at Mt. Pleasant; and lots of people food.

For more information contact Mary Simpson at 426-8585.

And if you’d like to come to the big apple for the AKC Flagship Responsible Dog Ownership Day event in New York City at Madison Square Park on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 11 am to 4 pm you’ll experience –

More than 20 AKC-recognized breeds, including rare breeds such as the Löwchen, Norwegian Elkhound and Xoloitzcuintli; a AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) test to see how well-mannered your dog is; microchipping and enrollment in a national recovery database; agility, obedience and training demonstrations; talks with purebred rescue organizations; tips and advice on disaster preparedness for your pet from the NYC Office of Emergency Management; and “Ask the Vet” booth for all of your veterinary questions hosted by Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists and 24 Hour Emergency Care; a balloon artist, face painter and caricature artist for kids; a free goody bag loaded with Pup-peroni dog treats, magazines and coupons and toys from dog.com; the latest canine couture in the doggie fashion show; spinning of the prize wheel to win high-end prizes including Sherpa bags, dog.com gift certificates, dog crates, dog beds and more!

Visit akc.org for more information.

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