Kathleen Holland, Great Dane Club of Arizona, Phoenix, Ariz.
 

As public education coordinator, corresponding secretary, and founder of the Arizona Great Dane Drill Team, Kathleen Holland dedicates her time to promoting obedience and responsible dog ownership throughout her community.

"Kathleen has been tireless in her efforts to educate dog owners in our community about the benefits of obedience training and responsible dog ownership," said Great Dane Club of Arizona Vice President Elizabeth Kapash in her nomination of Holland.

Holland conducts an ongoing weekly educational program for children who attend a learning center on the campus of John C. Lincoln Hospital. The 14-week program features the AKC online lesson plans, a performance by the Arizona Great Dane Drill Team, and a dog wash that gives children an opportunity to feel more comfortable touching dogs. The program provides children information on responsible dog ownership throughout the year.

Holland takes the drill team, which consists of 14 Great Danes and 11 handlers, to numerous schools in the area for demonstrations and classroom visits. She introduces children to obedience training and discusses the various events and activities available for them to do with their dogs.

"We feel that if only one person who sees us perform takes their dog to a training class or checks out a training book from their library, then we have succeeded," said Holland.

In addition to school visits, Holland visits nursing homes and hospitals weekly with her therapy dog, a Great Dane named Shea.

"There isn't a more rewarding way to spend an hour than bringing a little Dane love to those who don't have access to their own bundles of love," said Holland.

Holland also sponsors a free weekly training class for Great Danes at a local park. Occasionally other breeds join in the fun. Holland and drill team members educate new Great Dane owners about the breed. They demonstrate obedience at all levels. They also train and practice for the conformation ring. Owners of Great Danes not registered with the AKC are encouraged to apply for AKC's Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) so that they can compete in AKC Performance and Companion Events.

"I know of at least two Great Danes that now have Indefinite Listing Privileges, one of which recently qualified for his obedience CD title, that would have never gotten where they are without Kathleen's encouragement and guidance," said Kapash.