Dog Writers Association Announces 2015 Writing Competition Winners

(New York – February 14, 2016) – The Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) has announced the winners of the 2015 Writing Competition. Below is a complete list of the Regular and Special Category award recipients.

These were announced at the DWAA banquet on February 14, 2016 at the Pennsylvania Hotel in New York City. The event precedes the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

In conjunction with the awards ceremony, the 81-year-old organization presented its first-ever writing seminar, “The New Journalism of Dog Writing – How to Get Yourself Published in the 21^st Century,” including appointments with editors and agents.

Contest winners (in bold below) received the prestigious DWAA Maxwell Medallion, named in honor of the late Maxwell Riddle who co-founded the organization. Sponsors award cash grants for special writing awards.

For more information regarding the day’s events please visit https://goodnewsforpets.com/dog-writers-seminar-lunch-awards-announced/.

Dog Writers Association of America
2015 Writing Competition Regular Categories

Winners

1. Newspaper Articles and Columns
   • Article – Health or General Care
     • Joanne Anderson, “Canine Hemangiosarcoma” (Massapequa Post)
     • Joanne Anderson, “The AMC Shelter Summit” (Amityville Record)
     • Monique Balas, “Hospice Care Bridges the Gap Between Curing and      Euthanizing” (The Oregonian)
     • Jen Reeder, “Securing the Scooby Snacks” (Durango Telegraph)
   • Article – Behavior or Training
     • Joanne Anderson, “The Buddy Program – Parts 1 & 2 (Massapequa Post)
     • Monique Balas, “For Search and Rescue Dogs, Their Job is Saving Lives” (The Oregonian)
     • Monique Balas, “Puppy School Teaches the Basics While Building the Pet-Owner Bond” (The Oregonian).
     • Peggy Swager, “Quiz: Test Your Ability to Solve House Training Issues”      (Petacular)
   • Article – Rescue
     • Joanne Anderson, “Pablo: Podengo or Ibizan?” (Massapequa Post)
     • Joanne Anderson, “Oh, Our Darling Clementine!” (Amityville Record)
     • Pam Gleason, “Flyaway Home: Pilots N Paws Rescue Event” (The Dog      & Hound)
     • Jen Reeder, “Puppy Love” (Durango Telegraph)
   • Article – Art or Any Other Topic
     • Monique Balas, “Belgian Malinois Owners, Breeders Concerned About Impact of Movie ‘Max’ ” (The Oregonian).
     • Jen Reeder, “Always Faithful” (Durango Telegraph)
     • Jen Reeder, “Running With the Big Dogs” (Durango Telegraph)
     • Marty van Duyne, “Service Dog Helps Vet Cope” (The Free Lance-Star)
2. Magazines
   • Single, Related, or All-Breed
     • AKC Family Dog
     • Dogs in Review
     • Sighthound Review
     • The Havanese
   • Annual, Special Interest, or Any Other Subject
     • Rescue Proud (I-5 Publishing)
     • Puppies 101 (I-5 Publishing)
     • West Suburban Dog (Brooke Keane, publisher)
3. Magazine Articles
   • Article– Health or General Care
     • Deb M. Eldredge, DVM, “P is for Prostate” (Dogs in Review)
     • Denise Fleck, “Pet Disaster Preparedness” (Pet Sitter’s World Magazine)
     • Roxanne Hawn, “Good Grooming: Long-Haired Beauties” (AKC Family Dog)
     • Sharon Pflaumer, “A New, Affordable Cure for Parvo” (Dog News)
   • Article– Behavior or Training
     • Teoti Anderson, “5 Training Mistakes You’re Probably Making.” (Modern Dog Magazine)
     • Nini Bloch, “The Birth of Handling” (Clean Run)
     • Lori Mauger, “Puppy Chronicle: New Tricks to Tame a Sassy Pup.” (Bark Magazine)
     • Gina Mireault, “Great Expectations” (AKC Family Dog)
     • Peggy Swager, “Case Study: Isolation Stress/Separation Anxiety in a Rescued          Mill Dog” (The APDT Chronicle of the Dog)
   • Article – Rescue
     • Gail Diedrichsen, “Overcoming the Animal Shelter Color Barrier” (West Suburban Dog)
     • Gail Diedrichsen, “Too Broken to Be Fixed?” (West Suburban Dog)
     • Jen Reeder, “Second Chance Dogs” (Modern Dog)
     • Meredith Wargo, “Aged to Perfection” (Rescue Me)
   • Article– Breed
     • Mara Bovsun, “Don’t Worry, Be Hairy” (AKC Family Dog)
     • Barbara E. Magera, “Playtime” (The Royal Spaniels)
     • Erika Mansourian, “From the Roof of the World to the Foot of the Bed.” (AKC Family Dog)
     • Peri Norman, “Meet the Belgian Laekenois” (Canine Chronicle)
   • Article/Column – Art or Any Other Topic
     • Bud Boccone, “ACE Files: Meet the Dog Who Refused to Die” (AKC Family Dog)
     • Brian Patrick Duggan, “Citizen Biggles” (AKC Family Dog)
     • Deb M. Eldredge, DVM “Fun With Pits” (Training Secrets For Pit Bulls)
     • Meredith Wargo, “Spay/Neuter Progress Report” (Rescue Proud)
4. Canine or All-Animal Newspapers or Newsletters
   • The Companion (Canine Companions For Independence Northeast Region)
   • The Dog & Hound (Pam Gleason, publisher)
   • Golden Opportunities (Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue)
5. Canine, or All-Animal Newspaper or Newsletter Articles and Columns
   • Article – Any Topic
     • Stephanie Colman, “Service, Please” (Whole Dog Journal)
     • Michael Ford, “Dog Gone” (The Dog & Hound)
     • Lisa Rodier, “Order! Labrador in the Court” (Whole Dog Journal)
     • Lisa Rodier, “Restraining Order” (Whole Dog Journal)
     • Laurie Williams, “The Healing Power of Dogs” (Whole Dog Journal)
6. Online
   • Blogsite Or Website
     • American Kennel Club, (http://www.akc.org)
     • Mutt About Town Blog (http://muttabouttown.com/blog/) Maureen Ann Backman
     • Fidose Of Reality (http://fidoseofreality.com) Carol Bryant
     • The Daily Junior Dog Blog (http://thedailyjuniorblog.com) Jill Schilp,
   • Magazine Or Newsletter
     • AKC Canine Partners News, Penny Leigh & Joanne Tribble, Editors
     • AKC Gazette, Erika Mansourian, Editorial Director
     • Havanese Breed Magazine, Thomas Wettlaufer. Editor
     • Speaking of Dogs Monthly Newsletter, Lorraine Houston, Nancy Foran & Cathy Vandergeest, Editors
7. Online Articles or Blog Entries
   • Article Or Blog – Health or General Care
     • Nancy Beach, “Canine Osteosarcoma Parts 1 and 2” (Celebrating Greyhounds Magazine)
     • Deb M. Eldredge, DVM, “Messing With Meds” (Best In Show Daily)
     • Deb M. Eldredge, DVM, “Dog Bones & Safety (Petcha.com)
     • Ranny Green, “How a Special Service Dog Enables 23-Year Army Veteran”(SeattleKennelClub.org)
     • Jane Messineo Lindquist (Killion) and Mark Lindquist, “Ovulation Timing And Preventing Fading Puppies: A Surprising Nexus” (www.puppyculture.com)
   • Article Or Blog – Behavior or Training
     • Mara Bovsun, “Why Old Dogs Must Learn New Tricks.” (www.WOOFipedia.com)
     • Denise Fenzi, “It’s a Puppy, Not a Problem!” (www.denisefenzipetdogs.com)
     • Liz Palika, “7 Suggestions for Training Multiple Dogs” (www.TheHonestKitchen.com)
     • Nancy Tanner, “Shutting a Dog Down” (www.pawsandpeople.com)
     • Bev Thompson, “Why Tone of Voice Matters” (www.anythingpawsable.com)
   • Article or Blog – Rescue
     • AKC Canine Health Foundation, “The Joys of Adopting Senior Dogs.”
     • Kim Campbell Thornton, “Old Dogs Rule” (Universal Press Syndicate Pet Connection)
     • Kim Campbell Thornton, “Beagle Mania” (Universal Press Syndicate Pet Connection)
     • Meredith Wargo, “The Plight of Greyhounds Abroad” (www.rescueproud.com)
   • Article or Blog – Any Other Topic
     • Laura Coffey, “9/11 Ground Zero Search Dog Still Lends a Helping Paw.” (TODAY.com)
     • Sally Deneen and Edie Lau, “Facial-recognition Apps Scout Lost Pets.” (VIN News Service)
     • Liz Donovan, “Man Gives Everything to Care for 12 Military Dogs After Their Return From War” (akc.org)
     • Ranny Green, “For This 911 Call Taker, Anja and Loki are Her Relief Valves After a Trying Day at Work” (SeattleKennelClub.org)
     • William Kearney, “On Losing a Dog” (Petcentric.com)
     • Emma Kesler, “Want to Learn More About a Unique Dog Breed?”(milesandemma.com)
     • Jen Reeder, “Let’s Discuss Pets During Domestic Violence Awareness Month” (Huffington Post)
8. Graphics
   • Single Photo
     • Mary Fish Arango, “Summertime at the Beach” (Chronicle of the Dog)
     • Lori Mauger, “Trooper the Whippet” (AMLE Magazine)
     • Lisa Croft-Elliott, “The Skye’s the Limit” (AKC Family Dog)
     • Dorothy Wills-Raftery, “Chilling Out on a Wordless Wednesday,” (Five Sibes Blog)
   • Series Photos
     • Beth Adams, “Idiot’s Guide: Dog Tricks” (Alpha)
     • Chet Jezierski, “Show of Shows” (Dog News)
     • Jane Sobel Klonsky, “Older Dogs, Deeper Love” (AKC Family Dog)
     • Nancy Tanner, “What’s Happening with Calvin These Days?” (www.nancytanner.com)
   • Single Illustration or Painting
     • Maureen Broussalian, Cover Illustration (Lady Louise, The Adventure Begins)
     • Emma Kesler, “Three Popular Human Sayings About Dogs and What Miles Has to Say About Them (milesandemma.com)
     • Debra Lampert-Rudman, “David’s Fund Portrait” (David’s Fund. ACKCS Rescue Trust Inc. Cookbook)
   • Series of Illustrations or Paintings
     • Bud Boccone, “Dog People” (AKC Family Dog)
     • Maureen Broussalian, Lady Louise, The Adventure Begins book illustrations
     • Janet Croog, Humans, Dogs and Civilization book illustrations
     • Florina Boldi, Lipstick On A Pug book illustrations
   • Posters, Calendars, Brochures or Pamphlets
     • Robin Adams, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue 2015 Calendar
     • Canine Companions For Independence, 2015 Puppy Calendar
     • Cori Solomon, Irish Wolfhound Specialty Poster (Irish Wolfhound Association of the West Coast)
     • Roy A. Wilson, Barbara Garnett-Wilson & Nancy Kinnear, “2016 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in Fine Art Calendar”
9. Humor, Poetry, Short Fiction, Opinions/Editorials
   • Humor
     • Joanne Anderson, “Beauty Tips a la Monsieur Edgar” (Massapequa Post)
     • Elizabeth M. Jarrell, Esq. “The Hardware Store is Not Your Friend” (Aussie Times)
     • Barbara Magera, “The Garden Secret” (The Royal Spaniels)
     • Dorothy Wills-Raftery, “Vote Gibson! (FiveSibes blog)
   • Poetry
     • Megan Blake & Mark Winter, “It’s Super Smiley” (Pet Life Radio)
     • Debra Lampert-Rudman, “Gigi In Winter” (La Joie)
     • Lee Netzler, “Merlin” (Scottie Scuttlebutt, Rocky Mountain Scottish Terrier Club)
     • Maggi Payne, “The Christmas Corgi at the Stable” (www.welshcorgi-news.ch/English.html)
   • Short Fiction
     • Morgan Humphrey, “Scryer” (Independent Publishing)
     • Barbara E. Magera, “Celebrations” (The Royal Spaniels)
   • Opinions/Editorials
     • Joanne Anderson, “Homeless Hoarder” (Amityville Record)
     • Holly Cornwell, “New Year’s Resolutions” (The Royal Spaniels Magazine)
     • Kate Eldredge, “Musings of an Owner-Handler” (ShowSight Magazine)
     • Allan Reznik, “Showable vs. Show Quality” (Dogs in Review Magazine)
     • C.A. Sharp, “For the Good of the Breed” (Double Helix Network News)
10. Other Media
    • Video, DVD, or TV Broadcasts
      • Robin Adams, “DVGRR 2015 14th Annual Golden Gala”(Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue)
      • Megan Blake, Mark Winter & Heather Paul, “Kindness—It’s Super Smiley” (The Animal Film Festival)
      • Jane Messineo Lindquist (Killion) & Mark Lindquist, “Puppy Culture”(Madcap Productions)
      • Dorice Stancher, “The Pet Stop-Trick Training” (NEWS 12 NJ)
    • Radio, Podcast, or Other Audio
      • AKC Canine Health Foundation, “Senior Dog Health: An Overview”
      • Teoti Anderson, “Get Pawsitive Results – Hyper Hooligans” (Pet Life Radio)
      • Teoti Anderson, “Get Pawsitive Results – National Dog Bite Week (Pet Life Radio)
      • Dorothy Wills-Raftery & Robert Forto, “The Sibe Vibe” Talking Canine Epilepsy” (Dog Works Radio)
11. Club Publications (National, Regional, or Local)
    • Magazine Format
      • The Corgi Cryer, Cindy Read, editor (Mayflower Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club)
      • The Alpenhorn, Dawn Kjeldsen Freeland & Robin Hamme, editors
      • The Ridgeback, Pamela Rape, Celia Hoffman & Melissa Peterson, editors
      • Golden Retriever News (Golden Retriever Club of America)
    • Newsletter Format
      • Mt. Nittany Dog Tales, Mt. Nittany Dog Training Club, Marliene Froke, Tracey Dooms & Janet Lewis
      • The Scottie Scuttlebutt, Carolyn Grande, editor
      • AMAL Tales, The Alaskan Malamute Assistance League, Jeannette Y. Wick, Editor
12. Club Publication Articles
    • Article – Any Topic
      • Holly Cornwell, “The Miracle Cure” (The Royal Spaniels Magazine)
      • Ridgeback Trust Inc., “The Rescue Organization That Does What Others Can’t” (The Ridgeback Magazine)
      • Kevin Curran, MD, FACP, “Canine Renal Disease” (The Alpenhorn)
      • Elizabeth M. Jarrell, Esq., & W. Jean Dodds, “Blood Tells All: A Conversation with W. J. Dodds, DVM (Aussie Times)
      • Peri Norman, “In Search of the Perfect Stud Dog” (Belgian Sheepdog Newsletter)
      • Deb Zorn, “Seven Simple Words” (The Courier)
    • Regular Column or Series
      • Nannette Newbury, “Not All Seizures Are Created Alike, Parts 1-3” (Australian Shepherd Journal)
      • Liz Palika, “Behavior Conundrums” (The Australian Shepherd Journal)
      • Fiona Petersen, “It’s a Dog’s Life – Parts 1 and 2 (The Corgi Cryer)
      • Sharolyn Sievert, “The Finding and Training of a Search and Rescue K-9” (The Ridgeback Magazine)
13. Club Special Publications
    • The AKC New Complete Dog Book, Mara Bovsun, Editor, (American Kennel Club)
    • The Golden Age of Dog Shows: Morris & Essex 1927-1957, Debra Lampert-Rudman, Editor, Morris & Essex Kennel Club with Antique Collectors Club, UK)
14. Books
    • Single, Related, or All-Breed
      • Jenny Drastura, Animal Planet Dogs 101 Maltese, (TFH Publications, Inc.)
      • Tammy Gagne, Animal Planet Dogs 101 Miniature Schnauzer (TFH Publications, Inc)
      • Constance Lyons & John Savory, Trend Setters: The Making of the Modern Irish Setter, (Book Locker)
      • Robert H. Thomas & Pamela B. Thomas, Leonhard Seppala, The Siberian Dog, and the Golden Age of Sleddog Racing, (Pictorial Histories Publishing Co., Inc.)
    • Rescue or Adoption
      • Tracy Libby, The Rescued Dog Problem Solver (i5 Publishing)
      • Andrei S. Markovits & Katherine N. Crosby, From Property to Family (University of Michigan Press)
      • Teresa J. Rhyne, The Dogs Were Rescued and So Was I, (Sourcebooks, Inc.)
      • Jacki Skole, DOGLAND: A Journey to the Heart of America’s Dog Problem (www.ashlandcreekpress.com)
    • Training or Sports
      • Teoti Anderson, The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training, (i-5 Publishing)
      • Dawn Antoniak-Mitchell, Teach Your Herding Breed to be a Great Companion Dog, (Dogwise Publishing)
      • Deb M. Eldredge, DVM & Kate Eldredge, Idiot’s Guide: Dog Tricks (Alpha)
      • Denise Fenzi & Deb Jones, Dog Sports Skills, Book 3: Play (Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Publishing)
    • Behavior, Health, or General Care
      • W. Jean Dodds, DVM & Diana Laverdure, Canine Nutrigenomics (Dogwise Publishing)
      • Marthina Greer, DVM, JD, Canine Reproduction and Neonatology (Teton New Media)
      • Mechtild Kaufer, Canine Play Behavior (Dogwise Publishing)
      • Peggy Swager, Rescue Your Dog From Fear (Lyons Press)
    • Human-Animal Bond
      • Gail Noreen MacMillan, To All the Dogs I’ve Loved Before (Wildflower Press)
    • Reference
      • Lisa Begin-Kruysman, Dog’s Best Friend: Will Judy (McFarland & Co.)
      • Elaine Ostrach Chaika & Janet Croog, illustrator, Humans, Dogs and Civilization (Book Baby)
      • Leila Grandemange, A Breeder’s Companion, Record Keeping (SunnyVille Publishing)
      • John Visconti, Fetch More Dollars for Your Dog Training Business Dogwise Publishing)
    • Fiction, Young Adult or Humor
      • Sheila Webster Boneham, Catwalk (Midnight Ink)
      • Susan Conant, Sire and Damn (CreateSpace)
      • Rob Snyder, Poker Night: The Real Story of Dogs Playing Poker (CreateSpace)
      • Linda Johnston, Bite the Biscuit (Midnight Ink)
    • Children
      • Marriott Cook, A Home For Abigail, (Jabberwocky)
      • Laurren Darr and Florina Boldi, Lipstick On A Pug, (Left Paw Press)
      • Debby Kay, Sweet Snoopers™ , (Coveran Publishing House)
      • Lee Wardlaw & Eugene Yelchin, Won Ton and Chopstick – A Cat and Dog Haiku (Henry Holt Books for Young Readers)

2015 SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS

The Adoptashelter.com Adopt a Homeless Dog Award

This award focuses on the plight of homeless dogs, the joy of dog adoption, and/or improving the quality of life of dogs in a shelter environment. Entries judged for quality as well as the ability to persuade the reader. Qualified online only enetries, include single articles, features, columns, series of articles, short stories, websites, blogs, videos, photos, or any other accepted online venue. The award consists of $500 and inclusion in the http://Adoptashelter.com/ online library

• Robin Adams, DVGRR 2015 14th Annual Golden Gala
  • “Because of You” – Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue – www.YouTube.com
• Carol Bryant, “My Afternoon with Oogy”
  • www.fidoseofreality.com
• Leila Grandemange, “That’s What Friends are For”
  • Royal Spaniels
• Rachel Phelps, “10 Ways to Help Animals” (Petcha.com)
  

AKC Club Publication Excellence Award

Given to 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.

• Mary Fish Arango, “The Threat of Calcium Deficiency After Whelping” – Borderlines, Border Collie Society of America
• Peri Norman, “In Search of the Perfect Stud Dog” – Belgian Sheepdog Newsletter
• Peri Norman, “It’s Not About the Bitch! Breeding a Litter in a Complex World” – Belgian Sheepdog Newsletter
• Fiona Petersen, “Really, Nothing in Life is Free?” – The Corgi Cryer.

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.

• Mary Fish Arango, “The Threat of Calcium Deficiency After “Whelping” – Borderlines, Border Collie Club of America
• Monique Balas, “Veterinarians Already Seeing Increase in Marijuana Toxicity in Pets” (The Oregonian)
• Sally Deneen & Edie Lau, “Facial-recognition Apps Scout Lost Pets” – VIN News Service
• Lori Mauger, “Puppy Chronicle: New Tricks to Tame a Sassy Pup” – Bark Magazine

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen Award

Sponsored by the American Kennel Club, this award is given in recognition of the best writing about the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program or the puppy level of CGC, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy.

Recognized as the ‘gold standard’ for family dog manners, CGC and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy focus on teaching good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to dog owners. This award is a $500 cash award.

• Ranny Green, “Service Dog Snoopy and Little Luke” – Seattle Kennel Club.org
• Nancy Tanner, “City Slicker Puppy” – Blog.Murdochs.com
• Nancy Tanner, “My Number ONE Rule For My Puppy” – www.nancytanner.com
• Susan Wager, “Puppy Training 101” – Pets and More.

AKC Microchipping Awareness Award sponsored by The AKC Reunite Program

Sponsored by The AKC Reunite Program for the best article on microchips, pet recovery and the microchip database of not for profits vs. for profits. The Award is a $1500 cash grant.

• Barbara Magera, “Preventive Measures for Keeping Your Dog Safe” – The Bulletin of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club
• Sharon Pflaumer, “Mandatory Microchipping Becomes Law in England” – Dog News
• Jen Reeder, “Find Me: Why Microchips Are Important” -Pets Matter – American Animal Hospital Association
• Kim Campbell Thornton, “Dog Theft” – The Royal Dispatch

Angel on a Leash Award

In honor of its therapy dog teams and programs around the country, this award is given for the beset 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 $250 cash grant.

• Barbara E. Magera, “Playtime” – The Royal Spaniels
• Sharon Pflaumer, “The Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow” – Dog News
• Victoria Livorney, “What’s a Snuggle?” – Home Guardian
• Matt Strong, “Training for Love” – Companions at Large

The Captain Haggerty Award for Best Training Book or Article

Sponsored by Babette Haggerty of Haggerty Dog Training in memory of her father, Capt. Arthur Haggerty. Given to the best book or article on training. The award consists of a $200 cash grant.

• Teoti Anderson, The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training – i-5 Publishing
• Dawn Antoniak-Mitchell, Teach Your Herding Breed to be a Great Companion Dog – Dogwise Publishing
• Peggy Swager, Rescue Your Dog From Fear – Lyons Press
• Jane Young, Dog Teaching: Surviving a Puppy Without Losing Your Mind – CreateSpace

The Designated Dog Award

Sponsored by www.Designated Dog.com, this award represents the best submission in all forms of media about a service dog going above and beyond for a human companion. This award is a $350 cash grant.

• Bud Boccone, “ACE Files: Meet the Dog Who Refused to Die” – AKC Family Dog
• Sharon Pflaumer, “Patriot Paws” – Dog News
• Bev Thompson, “One Size Does Not Fit All: Small Breeds That Serve” – www.anythingpawsable.com
• Marty vanDuyne, “Paws for Purple Hearts – Service Dog Helps Vets Cope – The Free Lance-Star

DWAA Pat Santi Memorial Friends of Rescue Award

Sponsored by Alden Taylor, Fran Pennock Shaw, Ida Estep, Marsha Pugh, Susan Ewing and Elaine Gewirtz. It is given for the best article or book describing the rescue process; adoption, fostering, transporting, home visits or other aspects of rescue. $300 cash grant.

• Jennifer Caloyeras, Strays – Ashland Creek Press
• Andrei S. Markovits & Katherine N. Crosby, From Property to Family – University of Michigan Press
• Teresa J. Rhyne, The Dogs Were Rescued and So Was I – Sourcebooks, Inc.
• Meredith Wargo, “Aged to Perfection” – Rescue Me

DWAA Junior Writer Award

Sponsored by Karen Petit for writers under 18 years of age. This award recognizes and encourages young writers who exhibit talent, resourcefulness, dedication, and integrity in their writing about dogs and dog-related topics. The recipient receives a $400 cash grant, a DWAA Maxwell Medallion and a DWAA lapel pin

• Bonnie Brown, “Fluff and Brush” – Natural Grooming
• Morgan Humphrey, “Scryer” – Independent Publishing
• Heather Johnson, “My New Puppy” – The Acorn
• Artis Severn, “Dream of a Lifetime” – Vena Avenue Newsletter
• Taylor Wood, “A Beagle of My Own” – Farm and Pet

Dogwise Best Book Award

Sponsored by Dogwise Publishing, a $500 cash grant is given to the author of the best book. The DWAA president selects the winner from the winners of all of the book categories.

• Marthina Greer, DVM, JD, Canine Reproduction and Neonatology (Teton New Media)

James Colasanti, Jr. Poetry Award

For the poetry best exemplifying the unconditional love of a dog. Sponsored by James Colasanti, Jr. this award is a $200 cash grant.

• Leila Grandemange, “That’s What Friends Are For” – Royal Spaniels
• Jim Lee, “Double Parking” – Royal Spaniels
• Lee Netzler, “Merlin” – Scottie Scuttlebutt, Rocky Mountain Scottish Terrier Club
• Wanda Thomas, “Couch Potato” – The Arleta Gazette

North Shore Animal League America Award

For all media which best supports the missions of the League’s program, encouraging spay/neuter initiatives as a way of reducing unwanted births and pet euthanasia rates. The focus may include community-wide programs or the individual responsibility of pet owners. This is award is a $500 cash grant.

• Monique Balas, “Pet Talk: Spaying and Neutering Keeps Pets and Pet Population Healthy” – The Oregonian
• S. Marriott Cook, “A Home For Abigail” – Jabberwocky
• Kelly Cabell Pulley, “Diversity” – Dogster
• Kim Campbell Thornton, “Dog and Cat Spay/Neuter Myths Debunked” – Vetstreet.com

Planet Dog Foundation Sit. Speak. Act. Canine Service Award

For all media, this award is given to 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. The award consists of a $500 cash grant.

• The Companion (Canine Companions For Independence Northeast Region)
• Sharon Pflaumer, “The Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow” – Dog News
• Jen Reeder, “Not Your Typical Grandma,”- Modern Dog Magazine.
• Bev Thompson, “Homeless Dogs Get a Second Chance as Service Dogs” – www.anythingpawsable.com

Sponsors of Special Awards are not involved in the judging.

The Dog Writers Association of America is the most recognized professional writing association devoted to dogs. Founded on February 13^th, 1935 by a group of editors and publishers invited to the Westminster Kennel Club, the DWAA now includes over 500 members. DWAA encompasses all aspects of the world of dog writing and publishing –showing, performance, behavior, training, health, and the human animal bond. For 81 years, DWAA has helped members share ideas for articles, helped with interviews and discussed fees and contracts. For editors and publishers, DWAA recommends members, helps with topics for articles, and suggests sources and interview subjects. For more information visit the newly relaunched web site www.dogwriters.org, follow us on Facebook at Dog Writers Association of America or on twitter at @DWAA_US.