On the Social Side...

Doug Ahlstrand was presented the AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award.

The Awards Banquet was held at Lugano's in the Barnyard. Everyone enjoyed being able to see other members in person. Patti Emmett and Doug Ahlstrand were responsible for planning the festive event.

Tom Craig, past recipient of the award, made the presentation.

The AKC Sportsmanship Award honors those individuals who deserve special recognition, who have made a difference in the sport of purebred dogs, who have embodied the AKC Code of Sportsmanship and who have been active and valued members of AKC member clubs. The Del Monte Kennel Club Sportsmanship Award for 2022 goes to Doug Ahlstrand!

Doug is a conscientious and dedicated member of DMKC. He has contributed to Obedience classes for years, doing clean up, being the last to turn off the lights and lock the doors, always trying to fit our classes in around his personal and professional schedule. He has been an Obedience steward for years at our shows as well. He is counted on to make a ring run smoothly, and trains new volunteers. He is the Obedience and Rally Show co-chair for 2022. He participates at our All Breeds, Obedience and Rally Shows, at our Agility Trials and at workshops, volunteering wherever his assistance is needed.

Doug has served on our Board several times, including two terms as President. As a Board member, he is professional, friendly, calm and objective. He has arranged numerous club dinners for holiday and award celebrations, drawing on his knowledge of outstanding local restaurants. He also serves as judge's steward for another dog club in our area, providing a halo effect for our club that encourages their members to help us in return. For all of these things and other contributions Doug has unselfishly made, we are proud to honor Doug with this award!

It is my honor to present this year's Sportsmanship Award to you, Doug. Congratulations!