ILLINI GREAT DANE CLUB


 

 
 The Illini Great Dane Club hosted its annual Sanctioned B-OB Match on July 22, 2007.  In our efforts in promote community involvement and our interest in supporting AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days, we decided to expand on our event to include a Beach Party Pet Fair,which was open to the public and all dogs.

As in previous years, we contacted those in the Great Dane community with information about our Match event.  However, this year we were targeting a much larger audience and broader base of participants.  Once we had our event planned, we focused heavily on public notification.  We submitted press releases to numerous news publications and radio stations, submitted information for posting on various websites and created a flyer which was distributed to pet shops/feed stores, veterinarian offices, shopping centers, service stations, etc., plus passed out to individuals at various community events occurring in our members local areas.

 We were proud to offer our guests and participants the following:
 

  •  Various canine rescue organizations – Doberman, Sheltie, Dachshund, Great Dane, German Shepard, Collie, All Breed.
     
  • Demonstrations – Demonstrations were held for Canine Obedience & Agility, Service Dogs and Police K-9 unit.
     
  • Canine Good Citizen Testing
     
  • Micro-chip & Cardiac Clinics
     
  • Professional dog groomer was available to do dog nail trimming and ear cleaning.
     
  • Special presentation by Illinois Vest-A-Dog, who presented a bulletproof vest to an officer & his canine partner from the Illinois Department of Corrections-Special Operations Unit.  The organizations representative explained the groups function, introduced the vest donors and the officer talked briefly about his dog and their duties.
     
  • To promote the involvement of children, Illini GDC sponsored an art contest with a local kindergarten school.  The theme was “Me and My Dream Dog”, whereby kids were to submit drawings of themselves and their dream dog.  All submitted artwork was displayed at our event, plus the children were present for an award presentation.  Our first place winner received a $50.00 savings bond, plus all participants received a prize bag containing games, gift cards/certificates, art supplies, AKC coloring books and information on the responsibilities of dog ownership.
     
  • Childrens Story Time – All children were invited to join us during story time and gather together for readings from canine related books.
     
  • Agility/Obstacle Course – An Agility course was available to all who were interested in participating  with their dogs.  For those making their first attempt, individuals were available for instruction and guidance.
     
  • All attendees were invited to join in on some fun contests with their dogs.  We conducted a Canine Swimsuit Competition, Dog/Owner Look-alike Contest, Talent Competition, Ugliest Dog/Cutest Dog Contest and Best Dressed.  All contests were judged and prizes awarded.
     
  • We were also joined by various vendors with a wide range of products from dog treats/dog food, pet blankets/beds, pet supplies, books, artwork, candles, yard ornaments, etc.
     
  • A professional photographer was available for photo sessions.
     
  • Illini also conducted multiple raffles throughout the day, plus offered concessions including hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, etc.
     
  • In addition to our pet fair activities, Illini also conducted its AKC Match.  Club members were available to explain the activities involved in conformation and obedience showing/judging.  Upon the conclusion of judging Danes, our obedience judge offered to view anyone interested in a “mock” trial with their dog.  We were pleased to have a few members of our audience participate with their dogs.

 Needless to say, our day was filled with a variety of activities.  We were extremely pleased to have seen approximately 250-300 attendees.

As a breed club, Illini has always been involved in or sponsored events involving the Dane community.  However, we wanted to do something on a much broader level.  There has been much in the way of legislation and such, that has to deal with the so called “dangerous dogs” listings, of which Great Danes have been included.  We felt it important to expose our breed to the public for better knowledge and understanding, plus emphasize the aspects of responsible dog ownership…FOR ALL DOGS. 

 Towards the end of our event, I was approached by a lady who said she always thought Great Danes were mean dogs, and was surprised at how sweet and gentle they were.  I knew at that point we had succeeded in our efforts.  We had a terrific time in planning, coordinating and  conducting this event. 

 Sincerely,

 Donna Snider

President, Illini Great Dane Club

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




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