Let’s Get Everyone Talking?
Wayne Cavanaugh
The initial response to our announcement of the inaugural Dog Registry Conference, to be held October 4-5, 2006 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has been extremely positive, and the event planning is progressing very well. We at UKC are very excited about the opportunities this event will bring to our sport.
The idea for the conference came immediately after I spoke on the phone to the president of another registry. It dawned on me that while some of us talk, most of us have never even met one another. It seemed the energy and exchange of ideas by getting representatives from the nation’s dog registries in once place might be just the shot in the arm the sport needed. At a time where controversial legislation and politics have somewhat divided the sport, we thought the timing was right to try to take the sport into a spirit of cooperation instead. If we can get everyone talking, we know we can find some common ground. We are indeed excited about the response to date, and look forward to a great event.
Here’s how it will work. Representatives from each registry will have the opportunity to give a presentation on their organization and its focus, and offer ideas and suggestions for how we all might work to protect and foster the future of all legitimate sports, and livelihoods that involve dogs. There is always strength in numbers, regardless of the subject we are tackling; health, genetic research, insurance, DNA or legislation.
In addition to the presentations, we have invited Ms. Cindy Cooke to speak at this year’s conference. Cindy is an attorney who is a recognized expert in the field of dog owner legislation and an outspoken leader in the fight against the extremist animal rights movement. Her up-to-date information and knowledge of the legislative world across the nation will offer critical information on how to be successful in protecting everyone's right to keep and manage dogs, other pets and livestock.
I should mention this is not the first event of its kind for dog registries. A similar conference called The World Congress of Kennel Clubs has met several times over the years. I attended the Congress in Bermuda and Ireland and found them very worthwhile beyond the meetings themselves. Unlike the World Congress, this event will comprise only registries from the United States. There is no reason the event could not grow to include our neighbors in Canada and Mexico someday, but we have to walk before we run.
We understand the limitations of an inaugural event, but are still very highly optimistic. The message is clear; the UKC wants to play a role in developing a spirit of cooperation, not confrontation. We want to make a difference in the lives of dogs and their owners, regardless of what papers are in their hands.
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