Thank you to the fanciers and AKC clubs that reached out to us last month with good wishes and offers of help after Hurricane Sandy. I'm pleased to report that the AKC, AKC CAR and the AKC Humane Fund have been able to help many pet owners affected by the super storm.

The AKC Humane Fund created the "Sandy Fund" with $20,000 in seed money from the Westminster Kennel Club and the Humane Fund. The Sandy Fund allows us to reach out hyper locally by supplying AKC clubs and dog organizations with funds to assist pet owners affected by disaster in their own communities.

Several area clubs and organizations have received Sandy Fund grants so far, including Mohawk Valley Kennel Club, New England Saint Bernard Club, the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs, Northern New Jersey Great Dane Club, Nutmeg Border Collie Club, Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club, Last Hope Animal Rescue, the Humane Society of New York and more.

I encourage you to consider the Sandy Fund in your holiday giving plans this year. You can make a donation here https://classic.akc.org/humane_fund/donations/index.cfm (designate Sandy Fund). All funds raised will go to Hurricane Sandy recovery and any future natural disaster relief efforts.

AKC also had the opportunity to help in the New York Yankees hurricane relief distribution efforts after the Yankees reached out for assistance. We contacted Eukanuba, whose executive Jason Taylor agreed to donate two truckloads of pet food — 44 tons in all — to Yankee Stadium. I appreciate the efforts of everyone involved after the hurricane to support those with dogs in need.

Please also save the date for two additional AKC Humane Fund events — the Theater Benefit and Barkfest at Bonhams. Theater-goers will see Nice Work If You Can Get It and enjoy an after-show dinner at The 21 Club on Friday, February 8, 2013. To reserve tickets, email Aliza Burns at aeb@akc.org. Thank you to PetPartners, Inc., whose support allows 100% of ticket sales to benefit the AKC Humane Fund.

On Sunday, February 10, enjoy a light brunch with your dog at the Barkfest at Bonhams and view some wonderful canine artwork. Again, all proceeds benefit the AKC Humane Fund. Reserve your spot here.

Sincerely,

Dennis B. Sprung

President and CEO