The search is still on for Young Kennel Club members to make a canine related wish and enter this year’s Shaun McAlpine Award, but remember your entry must be in by December 1st 2006!

Regarded as the highest award for members it encourages young people to embark on exciting, challenging and most of all fun activities in the canine world.

The Shaun McAlpine Trophy was originally presented to the Kennel Club at Crufts in February 1986 by Ed and Cindy McAlpine in memory of their son Shaun who tragically was killed in a road accident two weeks after his 22nd birthday. In memory of their son and his considerable success with his Great Dane Ch.Dicarl Tendellie, it was decided that the Shaun McAlpine Trophy would be awarded annually for the encouragement of young people in the world of dogs.

The award is open to all Young Kennel Club members aged from 6-24 years. The age groups are broken into three categories which are: under 12 years, 12-18 years and over 18 years of age.

Members who win their age group category are invited to a special award ceremony at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, which is taking place at the NEC in Birmingham from the 8th – 11th March 2007. Medals will be awarded to the winner of each age group together with assistance to achieve their chosen wish.

Eric Smethurst, Young Kennel Club Chairman said: ‘The Kennel Club has many links in the canine world and this helps us to provide support to members in achieving their ambitions. The award is based upon personal and social development and is not a competition. We will be looking for entries that capture the true spirit of the award which can be anything from training with a professional dog expert to working with rescue dogs. There is still time to enter before the closing date 1st December. It’s a great opportunity to extend interests, knowledge and skills.’

If you have a great idea that you would like to develop in the canine world and are a Young Kennel Club member and interested in entering, please contact the Young Kennel Club on 020 7518 1030 or visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk to download an application form.