2005 Orgainzation of The Year

International Association of Canine Professionals

In November of 2004, the SCWDA received a phone call from our good friend, Jesse Mendez. He had received a phone call asking if he knew of any organizations that were providing support to the currently deployed military working dog teams. He referred that caller to us. That began a wonderful relationship with the International Association of Canine Professionals. Martin Deeley, President of the IACP, contacted me and the call was on. When the IACP heard of the needs of the SCWDA, they once again moved into action and launched an appeal for donations, gifts, and everyday items including few small luxuries for the dogs and their handlers serving overseas. Our safety and confidence in knowing that we are protected is based on our belief, trust, and confidence in those who protect us, and do so with little thought for themselves or the ultimate price they may have to pay. Call it patriotism in the IACP wanting to do this, call it generosity from a grateful group of dog lovers, call it many things but we call it an affinity with those who respect, love and work with dogs. War and SAR dogs are a special group and the gifts from IACP members and their friends which includes boots for the dogs in addition to many other necessities and much missed items for the handlers, winged their way across the miles at Christmas and New Years, taking with them cards and letters of thanks and good wishes, together with prayers for a very safe return home. The relationship between our organizations has continued to grow with regular communications, including photographs of handlers and dogs serving in Iraq. One of the biggest thrills for the IACP Members was seeing these dogs and handlers opening and holding the presents the IACP sent to them in the photo to the left.

Martin says “Presently we are a country on alert, we are a country at war and so often we overlook what the working dogs do unselfishly, with great diligence and appreciation, not only to help protect our way of life, and our laws, but also save lives. We may refer to them as “War Dogs” and “SAR Dogs”, but I call them heroes. These dogs go unrecognized by the majority, receiving acclaim only from the men and women who have worked with them or benefited from, even had their lives saved by the skill and determination of one dog. In Iraq and Afghanistan although we do not hear of them, we have dogs and handlers working to locate mines, booby trap systems, and of course doing search and rescue among the rubble of conflict. Some of these dogs and their handlers are in this war for the long term. Their service is so invaluable and difficult to replace that their tours of duty multiply.”
He continues “Call it patriotism in the IACP wanting to do this, call it generosity from a grateful group of dog lovers, call it many things but we call it an affinity with those who respect, love, and work with dogs.”

Martin forwarded an email to the IACP members, which found it’s way to other organizations. From his initial email, we have received many donations and for that we are most thankful. The IACP is very respected in the K-9 community, as was attributed by the inquiries we received for support.

For the dedication to our deployed military working dog teams, the SCWDA is proud to present the IACP with our Organization of the Year Award for 2005.