Monday, April 30, 2007

How the Wilmington Kennel Club Gives Back


The Wilmington Kennel Club is totaling up the gate from its two days of dog shows during the weekend, but one figure is certain: The club handed over a check for $5,000 to the State Police to buy a new dog.

The State Police's Canine Unit was at Saturday's show to demonstrate the ways that dogs help in police work. News Journal photographer Ginger Wall got this photo of a Dutch shepherd in action.

Martha Doerner, the kennel club's secretary, says the State Police expect to buy a German or Dutch shepherd, at least 12 months old, who probably will be involved in bomb detection. The dog will be cross-trained as a patrol dog, too.

The idea is to give back. Last year, you might remember that the club donated pet oxygen masks to every fire department in New Castle County, and it didn't take long for one of those donations to save a pet's life. You can't put a price on what that donation meant to the home owner.

Some people look at dog shows, and see pure-bred dogs and owners to match. In Wilmington, there seems to be far less of that, plus there's a group of people intent on delivering a simple message: We want - and need - to give back to our community.

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