Does breed specific legislation affect your insurance rates, or even the breed of dog you want to have?  Would you or your breed be impacted by a ban on the private sale of dogs? If all your dogs are intact females, would you be ok with being required to become a state licensed dog breeder even if you never breed or sell a single dog?

These are just a few aspects of dog ownership that are impacted by legislation – and representing the interests of the dog owner is the AKC Political Action Committee, or AKC PAC. This tremendously important committee collects voluntary contributions from individuals and uses the donations to support candidates who defend dog owners’ rights, and can effectively influence legislation impacting animal owners. Pooled with contributions from AKC club members across the country, donations strengthen support for reasonable, enforceable laws that protect the health and welfare of purebred dogs, and the rights of breeders and owners who take their responsibilities seriously.

We are delighted to welcome back as an NPDD photo contest sponsor the AKC PAC. Few groups do as much to influence legislation, and it is our honor to highlight how much good the PAC does on our behalf. We encourage everyone to support them.

The challenge: The AKC PAC interfaces with candidates and legislators who will draw the proverbial “line in the sand” against intrusive, unreasonable laws.

“Drawing” in the sand” brings us to your challenge: You are required to include NPDD’s message (“I ♥ Purebred Dogs” or “Happy National Purebred D♥g Day”) in your photo entry, but not with an actual sign.  Instead, you are challenged to use anything else to spell out the message: Rocks or socks, skates or bait, puppies or yuppies  —- anything as long as it’s not created with a writing instrument. Ingenuity and cleverness wins the day, and probably this contest!

The Sponsor: The AKC PAC;

The prize:  A picnic carrier set that includes:

• Wine opener, utensils, & cutting board
• Roomy canvas tote that holds up to three bottles of wine
• Note: Bread, wine, cheese, fruit, and dog begging for any of the aforementioned are not included

This carrier is an absolute must for outings, picnics, performance, field, and show event!

The Dreaded Small Print You Must Read To Enter

•••• This contest happens on May 1 on our Facebook page. It is open to residents of the continental United States only;

•••• One entry per person; You may enter four different photo challenges. If you enter this one, you may enter three more;

••••  When submitting your photo entry on Facebook, you must indicate the name of this contest, The AKC PAC “Line in the Sand” Photo Challenge (no sign);

•••• Your entry must be for the 2023 contest. Photos submitted from previous years’ contests will be disqualified, and yes, we remember photos from one year to the next;

•••• No photoshopping. Our judges, David Frei,  co-host of NBC’s National Dog Show, and Westminster Kennel Club photographer, Jack Grassa, must see what you actually shot with your camera;

•••• Many people may help you take your photo, but the prizes goes to the person submitting the winning photograph.

•••• Entering this contest implies consent that your photo may be shared on NPDD’s social media platforms, and by the AKC PAC;

•••• A full explanation of how, when, and where to submit your entry can be read here;  

•••• Important! You and your dog should have safe fun when composing your entry!

•••• Judges’ decisions are final

PhotoContest2023

Sand image: © Maxopphoto | Dreamstime