Drawing well over 100 attendees, the 2017 AGM, along with our inaugural CKC Seminar, held in Calgary, Alberta on June 10 was one of the most well-attended AGM events on record.
The CKC Seminar brought Dr. Carol Graham, CKC’s 2016 Honorary Veterinarian of Graham Animal Hospital, and Dr. Gayle Watkins of Avidog International to the stage for a full morning of breeder education on breeding timing and management and the power of a dog’s earliest months. On behalf of all attending members, the CKC thanks these exceptional professionals for sharing their expertise and the presenting sponsor of the CKC Seminar, Purina Pro Plan.
A special highlight of the AGM’s associated events was the opportunity to acknowledge the great volunteer
spirit of Zone 10 at the Member Recognition Reception. Members Richard and Nancy Lopaschuck received their plaques for 50 years of membership and service to the CKC. Five long time members received a Certificate of Appreciation for their decades of volunteer service and commitment to the dog fancy and the CKC.
Raymond (Tubby) Miller was recognized for his contributions as a breeder, trainer, teacher, judge and active participant in his local community with his draft and carting dogs for four decades. Neville (Bud) Milsom received his certificate for over 40 years of membership and service as a well-respected obedience judge and both member and chair of the CKC Audit Committee. Pat Ingram received recognition for her invaluable role as a judge, organizer, and active proponent of Lure Coursing during her 39 years of active membership. Mary Woodward also received a certificate acknowledging the many significant roles she has fulfilled with the Alberta Kennel Club including Chief Ring Steward, Show Secretary, Show Chairman, and head of the Judges Committee among others. The final recipient was Jeff Lunder, an active member for 30 consecutive years, Jeff is a highly-respected international obedience judge and trainer who is known for sharing his wealth of knowledge with dog owners, veterinarians, and police service dog training programs.
Two special awards were given out with support from the AGM’s corporate sponsors. Judy Hunt received the CKC-Purina Pro Plan Breeder Recognition Award for over 40 years of exemplary contributions to the purebred dog fancy and the breeding of Labrador Retrievers. Shannon Scheer, Vice President of the Canadian Professional Handlers Association and active CKC member for 27 years received the CKC Mentorship Award sponsored by TD Merchant Solutions. This award recognizes Shannon’s contributions to the Junior Handling Program through 18 years as the Alberta Junior Representative and innumerable other roles. Sharing her expertise and guidance with the next generation of exhibitors and handlers, Shannon is known to many as the driving force behind Juniors and continues to inspire through her own professional journey.
Special thanks to Zone 10 Board Director, Sharon Derrick and her volunteers for all their support and dedication in making the AGM, Member Recognition Reception and CKC Seminar an unqualified success.
Once again, we would like to thank our sponsors: Purina Pro Plan, presenting sponsor of the CKC Seminar; Pets Plus Us, returning presenting sponsor of the AGM, TD Merchant Solutions and Pavliks.com our Partner Sponsors, as well as Bass Pro Canada, BFL Canada, and Ricoh for their generous support of this year’s AGM.
Members who missed this fantastic event will be able to view the AGM by video very soon. Check back with us for the AGM video release date or subscribe to our Youtube page.