2009 DWAA Writing Competition

Special Categories

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. To enter, submit one article, which must also be entered in this year’s contest in one of the regular categories.

AKC Club Publication Excellence Award
This award is for the best article in a national, regional or local AKC club publication in magazine or newsletter format. The award consists of a plaque and a $500 cash grant.

The DWAA Distinguished Service Award
Sponsored by the American Kennel Club, this award honors extraordinary achievement and communications excellence. It recognizes the person who, by word, deed, exemplary conduct, public communication and professional excellence, best promotes the interest of the sport of dogs. The award consists of a plaque and a $1,000 cash grant. Do not apply for this award.

The Bob Cole Award for Educational Writing
The Ottawa Kennel Club offers this award in memory of Mr. Robert Cole, long time Dog Judge and writer of books and articles on structure and movement as well as the fine points of breed type. The award will be presented annually for the best article in a magazine or newspaper which illustrates either the fine points of a particular breed or illustrates particular aspects of structure or movement in dogs that is intended to inform or educate the public or dog breeders. This award consists of a certificate and a $350 cash prize.

Dogwise Best Book Award
Dogwise is offering $500 to the author of the best book. The winner will be chosen from the winners of all the book categories. Do not apply for this award.

DWAA Junior Writer Award
Eligible: Writers under 18 years of age
Criteria: To recognize and encourage young writers who exhibit talent, resourcefulness, dedication and integrity in their writing about dogs and dog-related topics. Award: $250.

Eukanuba Canine Health Award
Sponsored by The Iams Company, this award goes to the article or book that best promotes the health and well being of dogs. Entries will be judged for accuracy, clear writing and the representation of a fresh view of canine health (i.e., nutrition, veterinary care, etc.). The award consists of a plaque and a $750 cash grant.

Merial Human-Animal Bond Award
Eligible: All media.
Criteria: Best highlights the special bond between people and their treasured pets, promoting the strengthening of this bond and highlighting the special relationship between a dog and its owner, as well as between dogs and veterinarians. Award: $500.00 + $250.00 travel stipend if winner attends the awards banquet.

Morris Animal Foundation Advances in Canine Veterinary Medicine Award
This award recognizes the newspaper, magazine or online article, excluding syndicated columns written by veterinarians, that best informs the public about cutting edge advances in veterinary medicine for dogs. Entries will be judged on clarity, accuracy and topic originality. The award consists of a plaque and $1,000.

North Shore Animal League America Award
Eligible: All media
Criteria: "Best supports the missions of the League's program, encouraging spay/neuter initiatives as a way of reducing unwanted births and pet euthanasia rates; focus can be on community-wide programs or individual responsibility of pet owners." Award: $500.

PSI First-Canine Award
Sponsored by Pet Sitters International, this award is presented to the best humorous feature story or article. The winner will receive a certificate, plaque and $350.

Planet Dog Foundation Sit. Speak. Act. Canine Service Award
Eligible: All media
Criteria: For the best story promoting and celebrating a program in which dogs serve and support their best friends, by highlighting service dogs, therapy dogs, K-9 search and rescue, or police dogs. Award: $500.

Pro Plan President's Award
Pro Plan offers a $750 cash prize and a bowl with the winner’s name engraved on it. This is the Best In Show chosen from all the winners of the individual categories. Do not apply for this award.

WCFO Excellence in Canine Freestyle Media Award
Sponsored by the World Canine Freestyle Organization, this award goes to the best work on the sport of canine freestyle. The award consists of a plaque and a $250 check.

Westminster Kennel Club Angel on a Leash Award
The Westminster Kennel Club offers the Angel On A Leash Award, in honor of its therapy dog program at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, for the best newspaper or magazine article or television news feature about the impact of the use of therapy dogs in health care facilities. The award consists of a $750 cash grant.

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