With many fanciers traveling to New York next month, we'd like to invite you to two events that will benefit the AKC Humane Fund, a 501(c)(3) charity which promotes the joy and value of responsible pet ownership through education, outreach and grant-making.

The 2013 Barkfest at Bonhams Charity Brunch is scheduled for Sunday, February 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at Bonhams' galleries located at 580 Madison Avenue. Visitors will be able to enjoy a light brunch and and preview works such as William Henry Hamilton Trood's 19th century piece Wait 'til the clouds roll by before the pieces are auctioned at "Dogs in Show and Field: The Fine Art Sale" on Wednesday, February 13th. Dogs are welcome, so bring favorite companion for a true New York City experience! Admission to the Charity Brunch is a $50 donation to the Fund with reservation by phone, or $60 at the door. Reserve your spot online or call 212-696-8306.

The 2013 theater benefit on Friday, February 8th will feature Broadway show Nice Work If You Can Get It and an after-show party at the 21 Club. The support of PetPartners, Inc., Your Partner in Pet Health Care allows 100% of ticket sales to directly benefit the Fund. For tickets or more information, email Aliza Burns at aeb@akc.org.

If you will not be able to attend either of these two events, we encourage you to lend your support in other ways, whether by donating your used cell phone or shopping at Amore dei Cani. Learn how at www.akchumanefund.org.

Your involvement will help the Fund's many programs: supporting Parent Club rescue activities, assisting human-services organizations that permit domestic abuse victims to enter and stay in shelters with their pets, and providing resources to programs that educate adults and children about responsible dog ownership including The Awards for Canine Excellence and the Library at the American Kennel Club. Most recently, the AKC Humane Fund created the Sandy Fund to assist those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

We hope you will get involved in the AKC Humane Fund in some fashion in 2013. We also encourage organizations in need of assistance to visit www.akchumanefund.org/grants.

Sincerely,

Dennis B. Sprung

President and CEO