The American Kennel Club [3] and The Cat Fanciers' Association [4] are teaming up for an art contest to celebrate dogs and cats [5]. Open to school children between the ages of 6 and 18 in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, the competition celebrates the diversity of pets and why we love them.
 
Besides the usual categories like Best in Show and Best of Breed, others awards will be given for best depiction of a dog’s job (i.e., a Border Collie herding), a dog’s country of origin (i.e., a Shiba Inu in Japan), a dog participating in an AKC event (i.e,. a Golden Retriever doing Rally obedience), and the human/animal bond (i.e., a Smooth Fox Terrier doing a therapy visit).
 
The winners will be awarded Visa gift cards and rosettes and the artwork will be displayed at the Meet the Breeds event in New York City on October 17-18 [6]. Submissions will be accepted until August 15.
 
It’s definitely interesting to see the collaboration between the AKC and CFA and I’m excited to see the artwork, particularly the pieces on the human/animal bond. This contest is a great opportunity for kids to learn about what dogs were originally bred to do and what they’re capable of doing with their owners.