Writers compete for Maxwell Medallions and $15,950 in prizes!
Today The Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) announced the nominees for its 2018 Writing Competition, which recognizes outstanding work about dogs.
“Ever since I first judged the contest years ago, I knew that just being nominated as a finalist was a true honor,” said Laurren Darr, DWAA’s Contest Chair. “This year’s contest was no exception. Entries from all forms of media represent the strong bonds between humans and their dogs in an unsurpassed professional manner.”
The finalists in regular categories are:
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 – 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. 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, ALL-ANIMAL NEWSPAPER OR NEWSLETTER 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 Photos
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 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 St. Bernard by Janice Davis
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 Reeves
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. 35. CLUB SPECIAL PUBLICATION
40 High Points in 40 Years: Mayflower Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club Celebrates 1977-2017 – Mayflower Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club by Dr. Michaelann Cox Mako and Cynthia Read
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 Achterberg
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
The finalists for Special Awards are:
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.
Five Ways to Make Your Entle’s Walk Extra Special on “Walking the Dog Day” February 22nd by Linda Liebrand
Safety, Comfort are the New Black by Laurren Darr
Sheep du Soleil by Elizabeth M. Jarrell
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. For information about actual recovery stories, writers can contact AKC Reunite at microchip@akcreunite.org.
A Tale of Two Lost Dogs by Caroline Coile
Everyone Should Have Their Pets Microchipped by Susan Ewing
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.
In Case of Accident… by Caroline Coile
Is Heartworm Prevention a Scam? by Caroline Coile
Protecting Your On-Leash Dog and What to Do Should the Worst Happen by Denise Alexandra Fleck
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.
AKC Trick Dog Perform Title: Starring William the Circus Ringmaster and his Uncaged Bear Act by Elizabeth M Jarrell
No Dog Left Behind? Caroline Coile
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.
For Laughter and Little Ones by Mara Bovsun
Salvation Of All-Breed Clubs by Linda E. Kornhi
Search and Rescue Dogs: Making The Lost Found Again by Bev Thompson
What Teddy Taught Us by Mara Bovsun
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. The award consists of a $350 cash grant.
Four-Legged Warriors – Pet Connection/Andrews McMeel Syndication by Kim Campbell Thornton
Megan Leavey, K9 Rex and Bringing Home K9 Heroes by Laura Jane Reeves
The Ceva Heartworm Prevention Award
Sponsored by Ceva Animal Health, this award is for the best article that educates the public about heartworm awareness and prevention tips. The winner will receive a $1,500 grant.
Heartworm Disease Deadly But Preventable by Christy Elizabeth Caplan
Inside Heartworm – Pet Connection/Andrews McMeel by Kim Campbell Thornton
Is Heartworm Prevention a Scam? – Canine Chronicle Magazine by Caroline Coile
DWAA Robert H. McKowen Memorial Friends of Rescue Award
Sponsored by his family and friends. For the best article describing the rescue process: adoption, fostering, transporting, home visits or other aspects of rescue. $300 cash grant.
A Piglet State of Mind by Melissa S. Shapiro, DVM
From Rescued to Rescuer by Nancy Monson
Points to consider when adopting a pet by Kim Campbell Thornton
Rising from the ashes: Former shelter dog helps firefighters cope with stress and grief by Laura Teresa Coffey
The Fear Free Pets Award
Sponsored by Fear Free, LLC, this is awarded for the article, book, blog, TV segment, radio spot, video, column or other creative media format that best educates, promotes, or demonstrates the importance and benefits of taking a dog to a Fear Free certified veterinary professional. This may also include how a dog’s emotional well-being can play a role in all aspects of its life and health, including veterinary care, how decreasing fear, anxiety, and stress is beneficial to the patient and owner both during the veterinary visit and at home, a focus on Fear Free applications pre- and post-veterinary visit, successful case studies/stories of how a dog went from fearful to Fear Free during or throughout the course of a single or series of veterinary visits, positive experiences working with a Fear Free certified veterinary professional or anything that highlights how Fear Free and what it stands for is all around better for staff, patients, and clients. This award consists of a $2,000 cash grant and a one-of-a-kind commemorative award.
Brave New World: Fear-Free Veterinary Visits by Caroline Coile
Changing Behaviors by Sarah Rumple
The Fear Free Revolution by Jen Reeder
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.
How Good Breeders Raise Puppies Who Grow Into Happy, Confident Dogs by Linda C. Rehkopf
Making Vet Visits Fear Free by Susan Ewing
Never Fear by Caroline Coile
The GNFP Digital Canine Companion Award
Sponsored by GNFP Digital, this award is for the best digital story – online video, blog post or online article with photography that best demonstrates the bond between people and their canine companions. The content must be demonstrated as having been shared through digital media. The winner will receive a $1,000 grant and a special gift.
A Piglet State of Mind by Melissa S. Shapiro, DVM
Piglet, the Deaf Blind Pink Puppy’s Trip to the First Annual Special K9 Games by Melissa S. Shapiro, DVM
Piglet, the Deaf Blind Pink Puppy Visits Classrooms to Educate, Inspire, and Create Smiles by Melissa S. Shapiro, DVM
The Power of Rescue: How a Dog Helped 2 Boston Marathon Bombing Survivors Heal by Laura Teresa Coffey
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.
A Perfect Match by Susan Wroble
Piglet, the Deaf Blind Pink Puppy’s Trip to the First Annual Special K9 Games by Melissa S. Shapiro, DVM
Piglet, the Deaf Blind Pink Puppy Visits Classrooms to Educate, Inspire, and Create Smiles by Melissa S. Shapiro, DVM
What Teddy Taught Us by Mara Bovsun
The Heroes for Healthy Pets Award
Sponsored by Merck Animal Health, this award is open to all forms of media that cover topics on infectious diseases that affect dogs. The winner will receive a plaque and a $1,500 cash grant.
Canine Influenza Is Here to Stay by Debra M. Eldredge, DVM
Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs by Christine Caplan
Ticks’ Increasing Threat by Kim Campbell Thornton
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.
Atlas by Nikolas Anthony Klimenko
A Thousand Tears . . . Song For A Magical-Dawg by Amy Shojai
She’s Just Like Me by Debra Lampert-Rudman
The Pet Fashion Guild Pet Fashion Award
Sponsored by Pet Fashion Guild, this award is for a submission in any form of media that demonstrates the enhanced bonds and connections between humans and their dog(s) through pet fashion. This award consists of a $350 cash grant.
Quick and Easy Halloween Costumes by Bryn Nowell
The Wedding…The World According to Rosebud and Brody by Ted Slupik and Gail Diedrichsen
What Not to Wear – Dog Leashes by Kate Eldredge
The PSI Professional Pet Care Award
Sponsored by Pet Sitters International (PSI), this award is presented to the entry that best educates pet owners about the benefits of using professional pet sitters. Qualifying online or print entries include newspaper or magazine articles and blog posts. This award consists of a $300 cash prize.
Bloat in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms and Prevention Tips by Carlotta Cooper
No PAWS About It: Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter is the Right Move for Your Pet by Denise Alexandra Fleck
Pet Separation Anxiety by Christy Caplan
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.
Dogs with Jobs by Laura Greaves
Let Dogs Be Dogs by Marc Goldberg and the Monks of New Skete
My Deceased Dog Connected With Me In The Twilight Zone by Carol Bryant
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.
Chloe’s Adventure Cori’s Nightmare: A Lost Dog Rescue Story by Cori Solomon
On The Move With Your Best Friend by Denise Alexandra Fleck
The Ultimate Pet Friendly Road Trip by Amy Burkert
Top 12 Dangers of Traveling With Dogs By Car by Carol Bryant
The Take Your Dog Award
Sponsored by Take Your Dog To Work Day® creator Pet Sitters International, this award is presented to the entry that best highlights the special human-canine bond and importance of pet adoptions. Qualifying print or online entries include newspaper or magazine articles, blog posts and personal essays. The award consists of a $300 cash prize.
A Mighty Pip: Grief, Reflection, and Four Years Gone by Kristin M. Avery
Piglet, the Deaf Blind Pink Puppy Visits Classrooms to Educate, Inspire, and Create Smiles by Melissa S. Shapiro, DVM
The Soul of Saving a Senior Pet by Christy A. Doherty
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 must have written a bylined article in a print or online general interest publication about a dog show (or shows). The winner will be honored with a reserved seat in the Walter Fletcher Memorial Chair for both nights of the 2018 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 $300.
American Cocker Spaniel Striker Comes Close at Westminster by Carol Bryant
Four Dog Shows – The Post-Journal by Susan Ewing
Our New York City Adventures: Progressive, Meadowlands and Westminster 2018 by Barbara E. Magera and Elaine L. Mitchell
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 and will be announced at the Feb. 10 DWAA Awards Banquet.
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.
And the winner is … Mara Bovsun
DWAA Hall of Fame Inductee
Deborah Wood
DWAA will announce the winners of both regular categories and special awards at an awards banquet on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019 at the Hotel New Yorker in Manhattan. The event will feature keynote addresses from NBC correspondent and host of Animal Planet’s “Dog Bowl” Jill Rappaport and radio host/journalist/author Steve Dale of Steve Dale’s Pet World. Winners of each regular category will receive a Maxwell Medallion, which honors Maxwell Riddle; the former DWAA president and AKC judge wrote about the sport of dogs for over five decades.
“I’m so grateful to Laurren Darr for doing such an outstanding job as Contest Chair, and to all of our sponsors, judges and entrants,” said DWAA President Jen Reeder. “The DWAA Writing Competition is such a special way to recognize the terrific work being created about dogs. Congratulations to all of the finalists!”
For more information, visit: https://dogwriters.org/event/
About DWAA
The Dog Writers Association of America is the most recognized professional writing association devoted to dogs. Founded in 1935, the DWAA has grown from eight founders to over 500 members, including journalists, authors, bloggers, publicists, photographers, illustrators and media personalities. Under the umbrella of the human-canine bond, members cover dog competitions, health, training, rescue, pet fashion, veterinary research, working dog organizations, animal welfare legislation, fundraisers and many other topics. For more information, visit: dogwriters.org.