2018 Writing Competition Nominees and Winners
Regular Categories
A. Newspaper Articles and Columns
1. Article – Health or General Care
Taking the Pet Out of Petrified – Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian” by Denise Alexandra Fleck
Everyone Should Have Their Pets Microchipped by Susan Ewing
Have a Heart for a Shelter Shepherd by Joanne Anderson
It’s A War by Kim Kavin
2. Article – Behavior or Training
Do Dogs Really Get One Free Bite? by Patti Lawson
Dogs Can “Read” Us by Joanne Anderson
Making Vet Visits Fear Free by Susan Ewing
Separation Anxiety Not Just For Shy Dogs by Kim Campbell Thornton
3. Article – Rescue
Adopting the Right Furry Friend for You Takes Some Forethought by Kim Campbell Thornton
Go Dog Go Pooch Powers Through Race by Allen Laman
Oldies But Goodies by Jen Reeder
Saving the Chain Dogs: Dog by Dog by Pam Gleason
4. Article – Art or Any Other Topic
Are Pets Gaining Personhood Status? by Patti Lawson
Baxter’s Pet Pantry by Joanne Anderson
Dog Fight by Kim Kavin
What Happens If You Die Before Your Pets by Patti Lawson
B. Magazines
5. Single, Related, or All-Breed
AKC Family Dog by Liz Donovan and the staff of AKC Family Dog
Dogster Magazine by Melissa L. Kauffman and Annie Shirreffs
The Pointing Dog Journal by Jillian LaCross
The Retriever Journal by Jillian LaCross
6. Annual, Special Interest, or Any Other
Chronicle of The Dog by Devon Hubbard Sorlie and Chris Guzicki
From Rescued to Rescuer – USA Today Pet Guide by Nancy Monson
C. Magazine Articles
7. Article– Health or General Care
A Better Biome (Fecal Transplants) by CJ Puotinen
Cancer, Canines and the Human Connection by Rachel Brix
The Fear Free Revolution by Jen Reeder
Ticks’ Increasing Threat by Kim Campbell Thornton
8. Article– Behavior or Training
Behavior Matters! by Laura Donaldson
Communicating Effectively- Proper Diagnosis, Correct Terminology Essential by Melissa McMath Hatfield MS, CBCC-KA, CDBC
Look At That by Laura Donaldson
Taking It to the Streets by Mara Bovsun
9. Article – Rescue
From Shelter Dog to Therapy Dog: The Story of Murray by Cori Solomon
Rising from the ashes: Former shelter dog helps firefighters cope with stress and grief by Laura Teresa Coffey
The Soul of Saving a Senior Pet by Christy A. Doherty
10. Article– Breed
Comfort Dogs: Golden Retrievers Offer Emotional Support in Difficult Times by Amy Hempe
For Laughter and Little Ones by Mara Bovsun
Lab Lifeguard by Jen Reeder
Using Degenerative Myelopathy Genetic Test Results in Predicting Litter Outcomes by Nancy P. Melone, Ph.D
11. Article/Column – Art or Any Other Topic
A Veterinarian’s Prescription for Grief (or, How I Mourned My Own Dog) by Karen R. Fine, DVM
Home Growing Our Heroes by Penny Leigh
Testing the Limits by Penny Leigh
Safety, Comfort are the New Black by Laurren Darr
D. Canine or All-Animal Newspapers or Newsletters
12. Canine or All-Animal Newspapers or Newsletters
DogWatch newsletter by Cynthia Foley and Debra M. Eldredge, DVM
GRRAND GRROWL of Golden Retriever Rescue and Adoption of Needy Dogs by Devon Hubbard Sorlie
The Companion – Canine Companions for Independence by John Bentzinger & CCI Editorial Staff
Tufts YOUR DOG Newsletter by Larry Lindner
E. Canine or All-Animal Newspapers or Newsletters Articles and Columns
13. Any Topic
Canine Cataracts by Deb M. Eldredge, DVM
Choosy About Chews by Deb M. Eldredge, DVM
Hands-On Healing: Physical Rehabilitation for Animals by Lyn T. Garson CVT, CCRP
OP/ED: The Integrity of Our Words by Kate J. Kuligowski
F. Online
14. Blogsite Or Website
Dogster.com by Melissa L. Kauffman and Cait Kelly
Goodnewsforpets.com by Lea-Ann Germinder
Help is a Four-Legged Word by Canine Companions for Independence
National Purebred Dog Day by Susi Eniko Szeremy
The Pet Safety Crusader’s BLOG & VLOG by Denise Alexandra Fleck
15. Magazine or Newsletter
AKC Canine Partners News by Penny Leigh
For Active Dogs! Newsletter – Canine Sports Productions by Chris Zink
Speaking of Dogs Rescue newsletter by Lorraine Houston, Nancy Foran and Cathy Vandergeest
The IAABC Journal by Mychelle Blake, Jesse Miller and Marjie Alonso
G. Online Articles or Blog Entries
16. Article Or Blog – Health or General Care
Achy Joints? – Pet Connection/Andrews McMeel Syndication by Kim Campbell Thornton
Flu Factors – Pet Connection/Andrews McMeel Syndication by Kim Campbell Thornton
Inside Heartworm – Pet Connection/Andrews McMeel Syndication by Kim Campbell Thornton
Twist of Fate – Pet Connection/Andrews McMeel Syndication by Kim Campbell Thornton
17. Article Or Blog – Behavior or Training
On “Fixing” Behavior Problems: Reachable Goals and Wishful Thinking by Jennifer Leigh Summerfield
Through Thick and Thin: Caring For and Training Companion Dogs With Disabilities by Nee Kang, Jeffrey Lee and Nan Arthur
Top 10 Tips for Dealing with a Traumatic Dog Experience by Nancy Tanner
What Big Ships Can Teach You About Walking Your Dog by Pamela Douglas Webster
What Type of Training Do Therapy Dogs Need? by Risë VanFleet
18. Article or Blog – Rescue
A Passion for Helping Pooches by Jayson Kimberly
How the Internet is Changing the Way Dogs Find Homes by Gray Chapman
Saving the Dogs of Kauai by Christy A. Doherty
The Special Bond of Older Dogs and Older Owners by Jen Reeder
19. Article or Blog – Any Other Topic
Fly Away Home by Susan J. Kroupa
No PAWS About It: Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter is the Right Move for Your Pet by Denise Alexandra Fleck
Paw Preferences & Dog Emotion by Chris Zink
The Power of Rescue: How a Dog Helped 2 Boston Marathon Bombing Survivors Heal by Laura Teresa Coffey
H. Graphics
20. Single Photo
Hank Dock Diving by Kevin Cummings
Jasper “Nose” Leaves by Susan C. Willett
Lab Rescue of the L.R.C.P. Inc. by Janet Ann Brake
Tucker Has a Ball in the Fall by Susan C. Willett
21. Series Photo
How Good Breeders Raise Puppies Who Grow Into Happy, Confident Dogs by Linda C. Rehkopf
Show Me the Bunny – The Rip Van Wrinkle Basenji Club by Joe Stewart
22. Single Illustration or Painting
Blue Stove Beach – The Rip Van Wrinkle Basenji Club by Susan Kamen Marsicano
Fall Fun with Fido by Melanie Feldges
The Tail End: Delta Airlines Toughens ESA Policy by Jeroen van Rossum
23. Series of Illustrations or Paintings
Clean Paws are Very Important For A Scottie, You Know by Pilar Kuhn, Rod Ott and Valeria Moldovan
Marla Wears A Halo – Hartwood Pet Lodge LLC by Carol McElhaney and Joan Critz Limbrick
Ollie the Autism-Support Collie – LawMux Press by Billie Holladay Skelley, James Paul Skelley
Wish and Hope: Images from the National Dog Week Blog honoring its 90th Observation by Lisa Begin-Kruysman
24. Posters, Calendars, Brochures or Pamphlets
Bernese Mountain Dog Calendar 2019 by Dr. Bernd Guenter
Chester & Friends 2019 Calendar by Christina Potter and Taylor Potter
Guide to Dog Walks, Beaches and Pet Services by Judy Macomber and Beverly Haney
Portuguese Water Dog 2019 by Nutmeg Portuguese Water Dog Club, Inc.
I. Humor, Poetry, Short Fiction, Essays/Editorials
25. Humor
Bark Out Loud by Heather Blaine Marcoux
Bunny Come Home – The Aussie Times by Elizabeth M. Jarrell
Trade Secrets by Nancy Tanner
When Your Dog Is Socially Awkward (And So Are You) by Kristin M. Avery
26. Poetry
A Thousand Tears . . . Song For A Magical-Dawg by Amy Shojai, CABC
Haiku by Dog: Chasing by Susan C. Willett
Haiku by Dog: Laughing by Susan C. Willett
She’s Just Like Me by Debra Lampert-Rudman
27. Short Fiction
Balance Due by Susan J. Kroupa
The Poodle Who Picked Pockets by Lynn Franklin
There’s Always Room For Jell-O by James Colasanti Jr.
28. Essays/Editorials
Cloud-based Hope by Susan C. Willett
Doodlewhacked: a Memoir by Susan J. Kroupa
Crossing Off the List by Zach Hively
What I’ve Learned from Smudge, Lola, and Dewey by Kendle Rae Frank
J. Other Media
29. Video, DVD, or TV Broadcasts
Behind the Scenes With David Frei: Live on Facebook by Carol Bryant
Canine Reproduction, Whelping and Puppy Intensive Care Seminar by Myra Savant
How to Judge the Saint Bernard by Janice Davis, ConformationEducation.com in partnership with (SBCA) St. Bernard Club of America
WGN TV Midday Fix: Dog Walking Tips with Laura Monaco Torelli by Laura Monaco Torelli, Kristina Miller Liberatore and Vicki Zwart
30. Radio, Podcast, or Other Audio
LEPTOSPIROSIS SYMPTOMS, TREATMENTS AND PREVENTION by Laura Jane Reeves
LORI WELLS AND PIGLET – CATAHOULA LEOPARD DOG|SEARCH AND RESCUE by Laura Jane Reeve
Reliable Recalls – Dog Talk With Dr. Jen by Jennifer Leigh Summerfield
The Doggie Bucket List – The Raven Narratives by Zach Hively
K. Club Publications (National, Regional or Local)
31. Magazine format
Australian Shepherd Journal by Kathleen Glaes and Leslie Ziesing
Spotter – Dalmatian Club of America by Katherine Szomoru, Debbie Zink and Jennifer Cramer
The Bagpiper, Official Publication of the Scottish Terrier Club of America by Scottish Terrier Club of America
The Courier – The Official Publication of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America by Susan Myrick
32. Newsletter format
BCOA Bulletin Board – Basenji Club of America by Mary Ellen Chaffin & Suzanne La Croix
Five Ways to Make Your Entle’s Walk Extra Special on “Walking the Dog Day” February 22nd by Linda Liebrand
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants by Jesse Miller
National Search Dog Alliance by Sue C. Wolff and Norma Snelling
L. Club Publication Articles
33. Article – Any Topic
Hurricane Harvey Horror and Heroes by June Greig
Off-Colored Bostons Not the Standard by Patricia S. Johnson
Rocky’s Hemangiosarcoma Journey by Matt Repko
Test Your Testicle Knowledge by Michele Gawenka
34. Regular Column or Series
Breed Standard Column: Getting the Full Picture & All in the Family by Matthew Mullin
In The Path of a Hurricane by Barbara E. Magera, Jody Sutton and Elaine L. Mitchell
Tervuren News Tales by Joni L. Freshman, DVM
The Advocate – Owner Handler Association of America by Richard E Grant
M. Club Special Publication
35. Club Special Publication
40 High Points in 40 Years: Mayflower Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club Celebrates 1977-2017 Mayflower Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club by Michaellann Cox, Cynthia Read and Deborah Harper
BCOA Yearbook – Basenji Club of America by Mary Ellen Chaffin and Suzanne La Croix
Chronicle of The Dog, 25th Anniversary Issue by Devon Hubbard Sorlie and Chris Guzicki
Westminster Kennel Club 2018 Official Program by Gail Miller Bisher, Lisa Peterson
N. Books
36. Single, Related, or All-Breed
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs – What I Wish I Knew by Linda Liebrand
JONATHAN: Wolfsong’s Last Chapter by Alice Lovejoy Carnahan
Samoyed Tales Trilogy by Jim Cheskawich, Annie Reid and Cheryl Lynn West
37. Rescue or Adoption
Another Good Dog: One Family and Fifty Foster Dogs by Cara Achterber
Let’s Git Outta Here by Kate J. Kuligowski
The Returned: Chewy’s Story by Samantha K. Riggi
38. Training or Sports
Barn Hunt: A Game of Hide & Seek for Dogs by Deb M. Eldredge, DVM and Eva M. Raczka
K9 Search Rescue Troubleshooting by Susan Bulanda
Modern Enthusiastic Tracking, the Step-by-Step Training Handbook by William R. Sanders
Training Your German Shepherd Dog by Joan Hustace Walker and Brandy Eggeman
39. Behavior, Health, or General Care
Keeping the Peace: A Guide to Solving Dog-Dog Aggression in the Home by Nicole Wilde
Let Dogs Be Dogs by Marc Goldberg and the Monks of New Skete
My Patients Like Treats: Tales form a House-Call Veterinarian by Duncan MacVean, DVM
Secrets of the Snout: The Dog’s Incredible Nose by Frank Rosell
40. Human Animal Bond
Adventures with Durango Pete by Stephen Hinman
Animal Assisted Play Therapy by Risë VanFleet and Tracie Faa-Thompson
Dogs with Jobs by Laura Greaves
Leaving the Wild: The Unnatural History of Dogs, Cats, Cows and Horses by Gavin Forbes Ehringer
41. Reference
City Dog Walking Safety & Etiquette – Pups & Purrs Press by Sunny Weber
Let’s Make You a Winner: A Judge’s Perspective on Showing Dogs by Pat Hastings and Erin Ann Rouse
The Teaching Dog by Nicole Larocco-Skeehan
The Ultimate Pet Friendly Road Trip by Amy Burkert
42. Fiction, Young Adult or Humor
Ears for Murder by Sue Owens Wright
Maritime Summer by Karen Anne Harbert
Medium Rare by Karen Anne Harbert
Ghosts of the Buffalo Wheel by Joe Jennings
43. Children
Clean Paws Are Very Important For A Scottie, You Know by Pilar Kuhn and Rod Ott
Miss Olive Finds Her “Furever” Home by Susan M. Campbell
Ollie the Autism-Support Collie by Billie Holladay Skelley and James Paul Skelley
Pepe Learns to Run Again; an inspirational true story by Christina Potter
Nominees and Winners: Special Awards
Previous Year’s Nominees and Winners
Celebrate the winners at the DWAA Awards Banquet on February 10, 2019. All nominees receive certificates. Winners receive the DWAA Maxwell Medallion, named in honor of the late Maxwell Riddle.
The Maxwell Medallion
Awarded to All Winners in Regular Categories
When asked to write about the history of the Maxwell Medallion I gleaned some information about the DWAA I had not read before. The Dog Writers Association of America was not always our name. We were known as the Dog Writers Association. About the time of the McCarthy era and the House Un-American Activities Committee, we had a member, Harvey Barcus, a Past President and writer for the Detroit News, who thought we should be more American and thus the name, Dog Writers Association of America came into being.
In the early 1970’s Maxwell Riddle called Sue Jeffries and asked her to run the writing contest. We were awarding plaques to the winners and had second and third place awards. Sue recalls that Bill Denlinger, then President, wanted the finalists to be called nominees. Bill wanted to ensure the awards were given out like the Academy Awards with an elaborate presentation. Sue called on Carol Lea Benjamin for help in establishing this award.
Carol Lea was reading the New York Times one morning and she saw a photo of the Medal of Freedom. It was a medal on a ribbon worn around your neck. Carol claims that was her inspiration for designing the Maxwell Medallion. Since the Medal of Freedom was presented to winners with their heads bent down during the presentation, Carol Lea thought that should be the same for the DWAA Contest winners.
I am sure by now you are all saying, “why Maxwell Riddle”? Maxwell worked for 35 years for the Cleveland Press as a feature writer and reporter. His syndicated dog column ran for 30 years. A Past President of the DWAA and wrote a column for Dog World for 50 years. He was an AKC Dog Judge and judged in Japan, South America, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Canada, Australia, and all over Europe. He was the founder of the Ravenna Kennel Club and had been their President for 47 years. He was known in his day as the greatest authority on dogs and wrote many books on puppy training and various other dog subjects. He was known all over the world as a dog expert.
The then Board of the DWAA honoured Maxwell Riddle by naming the medallion after him. We can thank Sue Jeffries and Bill Delinger for the idea and Carol Lea Benjamin for designing the medallion. Sue had it made in Kentucky and it is still made there after all these years.
To me, the Maxwell brings memories of having known this great man and I have many pictures of my dogs winning with him as judge.
To those who knew the history of the Maxwell it was a thrill to watch Sue and Carol Lea place the medallions around the winner’s necks in 2008 for the 2007 contest. It was a tribute to their work for the Maxwell Medallion.
— Pat Santi,
Historian, Member since 1989
All nominees receive certificates.
Winners receive cash awards.
Sponsors of the Special Awards are not involved in the judging.
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