The American Kennel Club is offering the AKC RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD  for the newspaper or magazine regular column writer who consistently uses his/her public platform to educate pet owners about responsible dog ownership. The award consists of a plaque and a $1,000 cash grant. To enter, submit a portfolio of previously published columns (minimum 3) detailing your contributions. At least one piece of this work must be entered in this year’s contest in the regular categories.

            Sarah Ferrell

The American Kennel Club is offering the AKC CLUB PUBLICATION EXCELLENCE AWARD for the best article in a national, regional, or local club publication, magazine or newsletter format. The award consists of a plaque and a $250 cash grant.

            September Morn “Motivating Dogs Who Don’t Want Nothin’” (Chuckanut Companion)

The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation is offering the AKC CHF RESEARCH COMMUNICATION AWARD for the work that best informs the public about canine health research. All media and lengths are eligible. Entries will be judged for clarity and interpretation of complex science and its terminology, making research principles and products understandable and immediately accessible to dog owners and breeders. The award consists of a plaque and $1,000 cash.

            Nancy Peterson “Dogs Get Ulcers, too” (Your Dog)

The ASPCA is offering the HUMANE ISSUES SPECIAL AWARD for the work that best illuminates one of the following aspects of the ASPCA mission: pet overpopulation, humane education, shelter adoptions, or the prevention of cruelty. All media are eligible for this award, but preference will be given to a substantive entry that exhibits the highest level of professionalism in its execution. The award consists of a plaque and a $500 cash grant.

            Barbara Robertson “Dog is in the Details” (The Bark)

*The DWAA is offering the DWAA JUNIOR WRITER AWARD to writers under 18 years of age. The award recognizes and encourages young writers who exhibit talent, resourcefulness, dedication, and integrity in their writing about dogs and dog-related topics. The award consists of a $250 cash grant and the Association’s Maxwell Medallion.

            Tom Eldredge, “Baloo’s HT” (AKC Jr News)

The Iams Company is offering the EUKANUBA CANINE HEALTH AWARD for the article or book that best promotes the health and well-being of dogs. Entries will be judged for accuracy, clear writing, and the representation of a fresh view of canine health (i.e., nutrition, veterinary care, etc.). The award consists of a plaque and a $750 cash grant.

            Rhonda Hovan “Preventive Health Care Through Risk Management” (Golden Retriever News)

Howell Book House is sponsoring the Elsworth S. Howell Award for the best article on judging, exhibiting, dog-show reporting or any other aspect of conformation showing. The award consists of a certificate and a $500 cash grant.

            Amy Fernandez “What Makes a Xolo?” (The Xolo News)

The HSUS COMPASSIONATE CARE AWARD is offered for the best print, audio, or video work focusing on the humane treatment of dogs, particularly those in animal shelter, animal rescue, animal rehabilitation, or individual family settings. The winner will receive a $500 cash award and a plaque.

            Diane Leigh, Marilee Geyer “One Day at a Time” (No Voice Unheard)

Merial is sponsoring the MERIAL HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND AWARD for the work that best highlights the special bond between people and their treasured pets. The winning work should be an exceptional entry that highlights the unique relationship between a dog and its owner, and best brings to life the concept of the human-animal bond. The coveted award consists of a $500 cash grant, plus $250 toward an airline ticket to accept the award.

            Patti Sherlock “Letters from Wolfie” (Viking Children’s Book)

Off Lead offers $300 and a plaque to the author of the best training article.

            Barbara McNinch “Seize the Moments” (Puppy Gazette)

Pet Sitters International offers the PSI FIRST-CANINE AWARD, presented to the best humorous feature story or article written from the perspective of a dog. The winning entry will receive a certificate, plaque, and a $150 cash grant.

            Margaret Bonham “The Ultimate Weapon” (Yard Dog Press)

Radio Systems is offering a $1,000 award for the best training publication in book or other bound form. The company will also provide up to $500 toward the winner’s travel expenses and will offer the winner’s book for sale at its pet spa, PetSafe Village.

            Cheryl Smith “The Rosetta Bone” (Howell)

WCFO, Inc Is awarding the “2004 WFCO Excellence in Canine Freestyle Media” award plaque and $150 check to the work showing off the sport of canine freestyle.

            Mary Simpson “Greyhound, Come Dance With Me” Celebrating Greyhounds

The Bob Cole Award for Educational Writing. The Ottawa Kennel Club offers this award in memory of Mr. Robert Cole, long time Dog Judge and writer of books and articles on structure and movement as well as the fine points of breed type. The award will be presented annually for the best article in a magazine or newspaper which illustrates either the fine points of a particular breed or illustrates particular aspects of structure or movement in dogs that is intended to inform or educate the public or dog breeders. This award consists of a certificate and a $350 cash prize.

        Dr. Vandra Huber, PhD, Danica Burge and Darle Heck “How Do We Measure Up”  (The Bagpiper)

DogWise is offering $350 to the author of the best book. The winner will be chosen from the winners of all the book categories. Do not apply for this award.

        Claudia Kawczynska Dog is My Co-Pilot (Crown/Random House) 

        Cheryl Smith, The Rosetta Bone