Raleigh, NC- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest dog registry, leading industry authority and advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the launch of the AKC B.A.R.K Program.
The AKC B.A.R.K (Be A Reading Kid) Program is a program designed to get children excited about reading. The goal of the AKC B.A.R.K Program is to provide children with a fun, educationally enriching experience that also allows them to bond with a canine companion.
In this program, children will read to a dog of their choosing and a parent or guardian will assist them in logging their hours on the AKC website. If a child does not own their own dog, their parent/guardian can find a local AKC Canine Ambassador and arrange a visit. Canine Ambassadors are members of AKC clubs and support their club’s public education efforts by visiting schools and youth organizations, often with their own dogs. They promote purpose-bred dogs, responsible dog ownership and safety around dogs. After reaching certain milestones, children will receive incentives for the hours they have read.
Dogs participating in the program will be acknowledged with a certificate for heir volunteerism. The AKC B.A.R.K. Program is rewarding for both the children and dogs involved.
“One of AKC Public Education’s most important goals is ever strengthening the human-canine bond and we are excited to see the B.A.R.K Program assist in that,” says Meredith Saraceno, AKC Public Education Manager. “With the help of our valued AKC Canine Ambassadors, we will be able to offer this program nationwide.”
To learn more about the AKC B.A.R.K Program, or sign your child or dog up to participate, please visit https://www.akc.org/public-education/akc-b-r-k-program/.
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About the American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.
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