In March, I had the pleasure of helping staff the AKC Education Booth at dog shows in Detroit, MI and Syracuse, NY. These trips give the Canine Legislation department a unique opportunity to speak to fanciers and the general dog-owing public about legislation issues that impact them personally. An added benefit is the enjoyment of meeting many Legislative Liaisons face-to-face, having worked with many of you only by phone and e-mail for many years. In Syracuse, I was also able to connect with purebred dog owners through an AKC-sponsored Empowered Action seminar where attendees learned about our department, our resources, and how they can get involved in positively influencing legislation.

Trips like these always remind me how important personal contact can be. No amount of e-mails or phone calls can replace the rapport you build in person—an important point to keep in mind when working with legislators. Geography and time don’t always make this feasible, but district office visits, lobby days at the capital, and invitations to dog shows give elected officials a chance to see purebred dog owners as more than a signature on an e-mail or a name on a message pad. Just as my travels often help me better understand a club’s concerns, so can outreach to legislators help them appreciate the fancy’s point of view.

Regards,

Stephanie Lane