Your Club Membership Has Its PRIVILEGES RESPONSIBILITIES
BY WALTER SOMMERFELT
T here is no question that the AKC is known as the “Club of Clubs.” Without the local as well as the national and perfor- mance clubs, the AKC would have no events to put on. Each time we enter a show, trial, match, or any other AKC event, we all should know that the only reason we have that event to attend is because of the dedicated members and volunteers of the sponsoring club who give generously of their time, talents, and resources to put on the event for the fancy. Clubs are, without a doubt, the backbone of our sport. When I see the num- ber of exhibitors who participate in our events, I often wonder why the local clubs struggle to attract members to assist in putting on these events? OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN When I was first introduced to the sport, I was encouraged to join and par- ticipate in both my local all-breed club as well as my local breed club. Joining those clubs provided me with an opportunity to learn and interact with people from all walks of life and with many different views and experiences to mold and educate me on everything to do with purebred dogs. I cannot think of any time since I began in the sport that I have not belonged to a club. The dynamics of clubs can often be diverse, and I think it is safe to say that no two clubs are exactly alike. Yet all clubs have one thing in common, and that is the mission to promote the sport of purebred dogs, positively and responsibly. When you become a member of a club, you now become part of a group of people dedicated to a sport that you love. Clubs come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are conformation only, others are obedience, agility, and per- formance events only, while many embrace all aspects of the sport. Membership in any club usually offers an individual an opportunity to learn and grow in the sport as well as to have fellowship interactions with like- minded enthusiasts. Clubs offer many opportunities for learning through various programs and seminars at monthly or occasional meetings. Some offer conformation classes, obedience and rally classes, and some teach and promote agility and other per- formance events. Many clubs also recognize the achievements of their members with plaques or other types of awards to signify their accomplishments in the show ring as well as in the performance arena. For clubs to succeed and continue to put on events as well as provide other local educational events and programs, while also promoting responsible pet ownership, they need members.
142 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2022
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