FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 23, 2009
Contact: AKC Communications
Phone:  212-696-8343
Email: communications@akc.org

FIVE HEROIC CANINES HONORED WITH AKC(r) HUMANE FUND AWARD FOR CANINE
EXCELLENCE (ACE)

--Extraordinary Canines Recognized at Nationally Televised AKC/Eukanuba
National Championship --

New York, NY - The AKC(r) Humane Fund announced today the winners of the
seventh AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE), which
commemorates five loyal, hard-working dogs that have made significant
contributions to their communities in each of the following five
categories: Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Therapy, Service and
Exemplary Companion Dog.

"AKC is honored to recognize these five exemplary dogs with the AKC
Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence. The heartwarming stories of
each nominee made it a difficult task to choose just one winner in each
category," said Ronald N. Rella, AKC Director of Project Administration
and member of the judging panel. "Each dog's devotion to improving the
lives of others and the impact they make in their community is an
inspiration to dog lovers everywhere."

All the ACE recipients will receive $1,000 and an engraved
sterling-silver collar medallion at the nationally televised
AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, California on December
12, 2009. In addition they will be honored individually at local dog
shows this fall.  This year's ACE winners include:

Exemplary Companion Dog: "Electra" owned by Mandy Willis of Valrico, FL
Electra, an eight-year-old Standard Poodle, has been seven-year-old
Mandy Willis' constant companion since her cancer diagnosis and
subsequent chemotherapy treatments began in February 2008. Electra lived
the life of a top show champion until her owners found out about Willis'
dream to own a Poodle. Electra and Willis immediately bonded and have
been inseparable ever since.

Search and Rescue Dog: "Sage" owned by Diane Whetsel of Hagerman, NM
Sage is a 10 year old Border Collie who is owned, trained and loved by
Diane Whetsel, a K-9 officer for the New Mexico Corrections Department.
Sage served at the Pentagon in the aftermath of 9/11, went to Aruba in
2005 to search for the missing teen, Natalee Holloway, and in 2007 Sage
and Whetsel travelled to Iraq and spent six months searching for missing
soldiers.

Law Enforcement Dog: "Robin" owned by Mary & Joseph MacQueen of
Frewsburg, NY
Robin, a six-year-old Golden Retriever, and his owner Mary MacQueen work
for the Salamanca Police Department, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's
Office and assist with searches for the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task
Force in Western New York State. In 2009 alone, Robin has been
responsible for getting about half a million dollars worth of dangerous
narcotics off the streets.

Therapy Dog: "Elliot" owned by Miriam Couto of Woodland, WA
Elliot is a 7-year-old Border Terrier and registered therapy dog with
the Delta Society. Elliot has logged more than 1,000 hours with
patients, most of them children. Elliot assists in the care of the
children at his local children's hospital, providing comfort and helping
calm patients so doctors can better help them. Elliot has even assisted
doctors in performing life saving duties.

Service Dog: "Benton" owned by Margo Dietrich of Norcross, GA
Benton is a six-year-old Labrador Retriever trained by Canine Companions
for Independence as an assistance dog for his owner Margo Dietrich. Some
of the daily tasks Benton assists Dietrich with include retrieving
dropped items, dressing, and transferring her to and from a wheelchair.

To view photos and stories about the 2009 AKC Humane Fund ACE recipients
visit: http://www.akc.org/news/ace/2009/honorees.cfm

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The AKC Humane Fundsm, founded by the American Kennel Club(r) in 2008,
was created to unite a broad spectrum of animal lovers in promoting the
joy and value of responsible pet ownership through education, outreach
and grant-making. Through its programs, the AKC Humane Fund's goals are
to: support Parent Club Rescue activities; assist shelters for domestic
abuse victims that permit pets; provide resources for responsible dog
ownership education; contribute to non-profit organizations that support
its mission. Contributions to the AKC Humane Fund are fully tax
deductible as allowed by law under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.

The American Kennel Club (AKC), proudly celebrates its 125th Anniversary
in 2009. Since 1884 the not-for-profit organization has maintained the
largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, and today its rules
govern more than 20,000 canine competitions each year. The AKC is
dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the
sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with
its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated
organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family
companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the
rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership.
Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine
Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of
the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and
all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and
service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.