2020 Nominees & Award Winners

AKC Club Publication Excellence Award

Sponsored by the American Kennel Club, 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.

Debra Eldredge, DVM – Corgi Ahoy

Nancy Melone – Protecting North American Dogs From Imported Disease Pathogens: The Cases of Dog Flu and Distemper

Kathryn “Kitty” Braund – Recollections – The Early Years

AKC Reunite Microchip Awareness Award

Sponsored by AKC Reunite for the best article on how microchips can be used in pet recovery. Articles can include recovery stories of how dogs were identified or returned to owners, permanent identification in cases of theft, uses of microchips to confirm identity of dogs in competition, etc. The award is a $1,000 cash grant.

Caroline Coile – Your Puppies Need a Chip on Their Shoulder

Joanne Anderson – The Mushroom Mystery

Carol Bryant – Can Microchipping Reunite Lost Dogs: A Dog Parent’s Guide

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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.

Julie Buzby – Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace

Elizabeth Anderson Lopez – Your Spring Cleaning Task List

Caroline Coile – Your Puppies Need a Chip on Their Shoulder

Nancy Melone – Protecting North American Dogs from Imported Disease Pathogens: The Cases of Dog Flu and Distemper

Carol Bryant – The Truth Behind The Merle Cocker Spaniels Controversy

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The AKC Family Dog Award

Sponsored by the American Kennel Club, this award is for the best writing (including books, articles and blog posts) about any or all of the good manners programs under the AKC Family Dog umbrella, including AKC Therapy Dog, AKC Trick Dog, AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, Urban CGC and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy. While participating in these activities that are fun for both dogs and people, dogs become well-socialized and develop a lifelong bond with their owners. This award consists of a $500 cash grant.

Elaine Waldorf Gewirtz – Therapy Dogs Help Calm Capitol Hill Lawmakers Amid Impeachment Hearings

William Hank – From CGC To MSG: Canine Good Citizen Daniel the Golden Retriever

Kari Lavalli – Advance Trick Dog – Why you should teach your dog tricks!

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The Canine Scribbles Award

Sponsored by Canine Scribbles, LLC, this is awarded for the best article that promotes the reasons to own a purebred canine. The fiction or nonfiction article of 1000 to 1500 words must be published in a print or online publication. The focus of the article should exemplify the virtues of owning a specific purebred dog. A high-resolution .jpeg (at least 300 dpi) should accompany the article that depicts the canine about which the article is written. The article should be clearly and succinctly written, and should outline the advantages of purebred dog ownership, with a unique journalistic voice. $350 cash grant.

William Hank – 11-Year-Old Cancer Fighter Fulfills Wish of Competing in AKC Agility With Dog Bruiser

Ranny Green – How One Relationship Redefined the Word Soulmates

The Captain William Lewis Judy Award

Sponsored by American Legion Post 348 of Brick Township, New Jersey. For a submission in any form of media that educates the public about the important role our military dogs play in our Armed Forces, including issues affecting their emotional and physical care during their training, active service and retirement. Congratulations to The American Legion as it Celebrates its 100 Years Anniversary. The award consists of a $350 cash grant.

Jen Reeder – Marine veteran adopts dog who saved his life in Afghanistan

Lauren Collier and Jim Ballard – The United States War Dogs Association: Bond of Brothers

Ranny Green – How One Relationship Redefined the Word Soulmates

The Dogster Health & Wellness Award

This award recognizes the article/column that did the best to promote home-care health awareness — identifying health and wellness best practices that dog owners can carry out at home for the dogs they love. Dogster helps dogs by helping dog owners and wants to recognize an outstanding written piece that does the same. $500 cash grant.

Julie Buzby – Navigating Your Dear Old Dog’s Golden Years: Dr. Buzby’s Ultimate Guide

Chris Zink – Play Ball! …. Safely

Debra Eldredge, DVM – A Difficult Decision

Elizabeth Anderson Lopez – The Zen Dog

The DOGTV Canine Enrichment Award

Sponsored by DOGTV, this award recognizes the best article in print or digital, including blog posts, that discusses canine enrichment and its role to improve a dog’s physical and mental health. The award consists of a $500 cash grant. 

Carol Bryant – 101 Things To Do Indoors With Your Dog

Bryn Nowell – Exercise Clubs for Dogs

Arden Moore – A Kid’s Guide to Dogs

CJ Puotinen – Reforming a Reactionary: Resources and training tactics for reforming a reactive dog

Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health Award

Sponsored by Dr. Harvey’s Fine Health Foods for Companion Animals, this award is for the best online blog post written by a dog blogger that exemplifies good health and wellness for dogs. The award consists of a $500 cash grant.

Julie Buzby – 6 Ways to Be Your Senior Dog’s Hero

Emma Kesler – Dog Lumps and Bumps

Miranda Grace Carney – Blue-Green Algae and Dogs Symptoms and Prevention

Amy Shojai – Bravo’s Cancer Journey

The Fidose of Reality Dog Blogger Award

Sponsored by Darlene and Carol Bryant on behalf of FidoseofReality.com, this award is given to a non-corporate dog blogger. Composing a quality dog product or service review is an art. The winning dog blog post exemplifies the elements of a solid dog product or service review that goes above and beyond the basics. Entries will be judged on writing style, grammar, punctuation, imagery/video, and the overall way the review is presented. The award consists of a $300 cash prize and a trophy.  

Jenise Carl – Cornstarch for Matted Dog Hair: A Heck of a Hack!

Susan Willett – Halley and the cats: A successful adoption made possible through training, positive reinforcement, and patience

Chris Zink – Play Ball! …. Safely

Mary Schwager – Teacher Saves Pup Trapped in Crate from Lake

Irene McHugh – Improve Your Dog’s Life with a Complete Enrichment Plan

The Manette Begin-Loudon Memorial Award

Sponsored by Lisa and Richard Kruysman and Cindy and Jack Begin. Presented to the writer/producer of a work that promotes awareness of the challenges faced by those who advocate for dogs included in the “Bully Breed” category, encompassing, but not limited to, topics centered on Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), Dog Fighting Rings and breed discrimination in general. The award consists of a $300.00 grant.

Debby McMullen – Looks are Deceiving: Why Breed Bias is Wrong

Mary Schwager – Stray Dog Joins Race And Runs 15 Miles To Find A Family

Emma Kesler – No Bad Terriers

Fear Free Dog Enrichment Award

Sponsored by Fear Free, LLC, this is awarded for the article, book, blog, TV segment, radio spot, video, column or other creative media formats that best educates, promotes, or demonstrates how enrichment activities (exercise, food puzzles, scent training, etc.) can benefit a dog’s emotional—not just physical—well-being and the role that has in their overall health. This may also include topics relating to how the resulting benefits of such enrichment to the dog’s emotional well-being can help set them up for more successful veterinary visits in the future, thus living a happier, healthier life. This award consists of a $2,000 cash grant and a one-of-a-kind commemorative award.

Zazie Todd – Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy

Miranda Grace Carney – Born with a Deformity, Jordi the Three-Legged Dog Defies Odds

Denise Fleck – Enrichment Creates the Bond of a Lifetime: One Dog’s Journey Using His Eyes, Ears, Nose, Paws and Tongue

Sandy DeLise and Stephanie Itle-Clark – Out of the Doghouse

The Grey Muzzle Award

Sponsored by The Grey Muzzle Organization, this award goes to the best article, book, blog, TV segment, radio spot, video, column or other creative media format that best educates, promotes, or demonstrates to the public the plight of at-risk senior dogs. This may include stories about special programs at a rescue or shelter that enable older best friends to retain their homes or find new forever homes, seniors for seniors programs, medical victories, hospice care for homeless dogs or other ways in which communities and/or individuals are helping to make sure no old dog dies alone or afraid. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize and a commemorative plaque.

Jen Reeder – These Precious Days

The Harrison Stephens Inspirational Feature Award

Named in honor of Harrison Stephens, a newspaper editor who wrote thought-provoking features marked by journalistic integrity and humor until his death just before his 100th birthday. This award is for a feature article that highlights the human-canine bond and leaves the reader with a smile. Potential topics include working dogs (or a lazy dog with a winning personality), or dog-centric nonprofits that promote positive outcomes for pets and people. The award is sponsored by Sally and Tom Reeder and consists of a $300 grant.

Rachel Brix – A Girl and Her Dog

Denise Fleck – Enrichment Creates the Bond of a Lifetime: One Dog’s Journey Using His Eyes, Ears, Nose, Paws and Tongue

Barbara Magera and Ann Eckersley – Healing Paws

Catherine Warren – A Change of Plans

Penny Leigh – Because of Barto

Mary Schwager – Service Dog Helps Save the Sea

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James Colasanti, Jr. Poetry Award  

For the poem/poetry which best exemplifies the unconditional love of a dog. Sponsored by James Colasanti, Jr. The award is a $200 cash grant.

Debra Lampert-Rudman – In Our Bed

Christy Doherty – Star Dancer

Lisa Begin-Kruysman – Home With Human Blues (A Dog’s Point of View)

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DWAA Junior Writer Award  

Sponsored by DWAA for writers under 18 years of age. This award is to recognize and encourage young writers who exhibit talent, resourcefulness, dedication and integrity in their writing about dogs and dog-related topics. Award: $250.00 cash grant per category, a DWAA Maxwell Medallion, and lapel pin.

Ages 10-12:

Mia Lussier – A Peach Among Pups

Ages 13-14:

Kathryn Prerost – The Perks of Having a Press Pass

Ages 15-17

Bailey Boswell – Oakley and Her Huge Personality

Mohit Singh – Puppy in the Rain

Victoria Corcoran- X Marks the Heart

Anjuli Turner- My Best Friend, Zeus

Madison Schlagel – Taking a Bite Out of the Big Apple

Kate Gallagher – Running with June and Blu

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The Rio Award

Sponsored by Jen Reeder and Bryan Fryklund in honor of their beloved Labrador retriever mix, Rio, this award is for an article, book or essay that profiles a dog who changed someone’s life in a profoundly positive way. The award consists of a $300 cash prize.

Elaine Gewirtz – An American English Coonhound’s First Find: Tracking a Missing Child

Barbara Techel – I’m Fine Just the Way I Am – Healing Emotional Pain through the Wisdom of Animals and Oracles

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The Sleepypod Pet Safety Award

Sponsored by Sleepypod, this award is for the best article or book that shares tips for pet safety during travel and/or anecdotes of dogs helped by owners who take safety precautions. The award consists of a $500 cash grant.

Elizabeth Anderson Lopez – Don’t Sit or Stay – Travel Away

Caroline Coile – Roving With Rover: Travel Tips

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The Walter R. Fletcher Memorial Award

Sponsored by The Westminster Kennel Club in memory of legendary dog show reporter Walter Fletcher, this annual award goes to the reporter who best exemplifies continued press coverage of dog shows in America. The writer’s work must appear in a print or online publication with coverage generated from Westminster Week events. The winner will be honored with a reserved seat in the Walter Fletcher Memorial Chair for both nights of the 2021 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The chair is located at the end of the front row, in the working press section, on the arena floor of Madison Square Garden. The winner will also receive $500.

Bo Bengtson – Show Expenses: What Does It Cost To Put On A Dog Show?

Lauren Collier and Jim Ballard – Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2020

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Dogwise Best Book Award

Sponsored by Dogwise Publishing. $500 to the author of the best book. The winner will be chosen by the president of DWAA from the winners of all the book categories. The award is a $500 cash grant. Do not apply for this award.

WINNER: Diane Trull with Meredith Wargo – DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them

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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.

WINNER: Jen Reeder

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DWAA Hall of Fame Inductee

WINNER: Marsha Pugh and Su Ewing

Special thanks to the DWAA 2020 Judges.

Special thanks to DWAA Banquet and Contest Chair, Darlene Bryant, for all her hard work in overseeing the competition and all of its moving parts.