I have the honor of longtime membership in the Dog Writer’s Association of America (DWAA). This organization champions good writing and communication about dogs, from random bred canines like Shadow-Pup to pedigreed accomplished performance dogs. Each year, DWAA hosts a contest for published work, judged by experts in the field. Due to @#$%^! COVID, the contest took a hiatus one season and this year made up for that with a two-year contest. That means a HUGE number entries that the administrators and judges fielded.

And I won a special award this year! Happy howls…and here’s all the details and the winning article.

SHOJAI WINS AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Public Service Award

I’m fortunate that my work in the past has received several DWAA honors. Some books and articles have won the organization’s MAXWELL MEDALLION, presented in the various regular categories. These cover books, magazines, columns, podcast, and more. The organization also hosts special award categories, funded by industry sponsors, which present monetary recognition and often a plaque commemorating the honor.

This year, one of my articles written for the HILL’S company received the AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Public Service Award. Sponsored by the American Kennel Club, this award goes to the writer of a print or online feature article that best educates pet owners about responsible dog ownership. The award consists of a plaque and a $500 cash grant.

I can’t stop smiling with delight! My writing journey has always focussed on empowering pet lovers with information so they can make responsible, informed choices on behalf of their animal companions. I hope that my article, Puppy Obedience Training: Tips for a Successful Approach, helps new puppy lovers set their baby dogs up for success and a lifetime of loving companionship. My sincere appreciation to DWAA, the contest chair and judges, and to the AKC for promoting such important information. Tail wags, all around!

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Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!