NEW JERSEY SERVICE DOG “STYLE” IS NAMED 2001 WINNER
OF AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB AWARD FOR CANINE EXCELLENCE (ACE)
“Style,” a beautiful and hard-working black Labrador Retriever, has been honored by the American Kennel Club for her work as a guide dog for her owner, Dickson Singleton of Roselle Park, N.J.
Style was selected as the winner of the AKC’s 2001 Award for Canine Excellence (ACE) in the Service Dog category. She received her award from AKC President Al Cheaure’ in a special ceremony at the Ramapo Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta Sunday, October 14. She was trained at the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in Smithtown, NY.
Samantha Singleton, Dickson’s 12-year-old daughter, wrote the nominating letter that helped win the award for Style: “Style is always watching my dad, making sure that he’s OK. On the way home from work, my father crosses a busy intersection and there are careless drivers who don’t pay attention. My dad listens to the flow of traffic and will give Style the command to move forward. If there are cars approaching, Style will disobey my dad and stay in position.
“Style teaches our community a lot about blindness … (as) the official first guide dog in Roselle Park. My father once volunteered to go to the high school with Style, (showing) the students all the different commands and what it was like to be blind. Our community beams with pride knowing that our town has such a great pal and guide dog.”
The AKC awards are given annually to AKC-registered or -registerable dogs that enrich, inspire or contribute to the lives of individuals and communities. Other winners of 2001 ACE Awards:
EXEMPLARY COMPANION DOG – “Chillie”, an Akita owned by Miriam Rodriguez and Ignacio Vasquitelles of Bronx, NY. LAW ENFORCEMENT – “Appollo”, a German Shepherd member of the New York Police Department, working with his partner, Police Officer Peter Davis. SEARCH AND RESCUE – “Boudreaux”, a Bloodhound owned by Sue and David Daniel of Dallas, TX. THERAPY DOG – “Jake”, a Golden Retriever owned by Danielle Wilson of New Castle, PA.
MEDIA ADVISORY: “Style” received her ACE in a special ceremony at the Ramapo Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta Sunday, October 14.
If you would like to be sent a photograph of the presentation, please contact Ron Rella or David Frei (contact information at right). We will also be happy to help put you in touch with Dickson Singleton.
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