|
From
the Breed developer - Linda Spurlin
Welcome to the newly established website for the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of
America. I hope you are enjoying the information and photographs of our little
huskies. Although they are a very new breed to the dog world, they have come a
long way in a short period of time. The Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America
(AKKAOA for short) has worked very hard over the years to both promote the breed
and to educate the public and potential breeders. Mostly due to their
dedication to the breed, and having the good fortune to have found a few
dedicated breeders who followed their guidance, the Alaskan Klee Kai is most
recently accepted by the United Kennel Club and can be seen and admired by dog
fanciers nationwide. The Alaskan Klee Kai is also becoming a more common sight
in several foreign countries too!
This Club was actually started at my
kitchen table in Alaska many years ago. When Eileen Gregory took over the paper
shuffle for me, I gratefully turned the computer work over to her and went back
to cleaning kennels. Until recent years, I offered my services to the Board as
an Advisor, as they have been the only group that have shown continued interest
in the future goals I originally intended for the Alaskan Klee Kai. Until
ordered to stop by UKC, they required regularly updated information from every
owner and breeder in an attempt to track medical, as well as other, information
on the dogs. This encouraged better breeding because only the better dogs were
allowed to be bred, thus discouraging personality, conformation, or potential
medical problems from being passed on through future generations of puppies. It
was the original intent for AKKAOA to become the Parent Club for the breed, and
I quote from 1990 documentation in my files " To initiate the initial parent
club, as suggested by nationally recognized kennel clubs, so as to promote and
improve knowledge of a newly developed breed of dog hereafter known as the 'Klee
Kai'. This initial organization will educate and set the standards by which
future groups interested in forming similar dog clubs of this breed shall have a
set guideline for which to base their club's activities. " Therefore it is
my hope that AKKAOA will continue to work with UKC in the quest to become the
Parent Club for the breed. What I had originally assumed was automatic has
proven to be a long and drawn out process.
Although other Alaskan Klee Kai
clubs now exist, AKKAOA remains closest in my heart. It is my hope that they
will continue to educate and encourage breeders as well as puppy lovers, never
forgetting that dogs were created to be man's best friend long before they were
deposited into show rings. The future of the breed can be best controlled by
well planned breedings, by stressing the importance of spay and neuter, and by
educating the public through seminars on training, nutrition, and health issues.
The Alaskan Klee Kai have graced the halls of Nursing Homes as Therapy Dogs,
as well as darted through tunnels in Agility Trials. They have warmed the
hearts and laps of the elderly and children. They have danced around show rings
and have guarded the dash boards of motorhomes. They have traveled from Alaska
to nearly every state, drawing interest wherever they have gone. And most
importantly, they have given love and received love in return. In the right
hands, this breed can offer a variety of opportunities for dog lovers to enjoy.
But remember, not every breed is for everyone, no matter how cute it is! One
must always take into consideration your available time, lifestyle, and location
before purchasing any pet. Always research the dog you are interested in very
well, for a living soul should be loved and cared for from beginning to end.
I wish you many paw prints on your heart, and warm wet kisses when you need
them the most. May your sofa be covered with dog hair, and may your heart
rejoice when you hear your dog greet you as you come in the door. Of all the
relationships you will have in your life, your dog will love you the most and
expect the least in return. Be worthy of that love.
***LINDA
SPURLIN***
http://www.alaskankleekai.com/spurlin
|
