Piedmont KC

06/21/2026

Looks like a worthy tool to help defend your fence from dedicated diggers.
Anybody use it?

06/20/2026

06/20/2026

From The June Issue of : Did You Know? - Specialties Are SPECIAL!
By Michael Canalizo

The basic premise of all dog shows should be that of their origin: the “comparison of breeding stock.” The best place for that to happen is (and should be) the specialty show. Every national breed club hosts a yearly event unique to that breed. Naturally, the size and scope of a breed factors into the level of what the club can bring forth. Some are week-long extravaganzas that offer everything you can imagine: performance events, obedience, agility, rally, Fast CAT, and breed-specific events like hunt tests, lure coursing, cart or weight pulling–you get the idea. The smaller “low-entry” breeds might have to hold a “designated specialty” as part of an all-breed club, and that might limit some of the extra events. All will have conformation classes and maybe a Futurity/Maturity, Sweepstakes, 4–6 Puppy, Brace/Team Classes, Stud Dog, Brood Bitch, Best Puppy, Best Bred-by-Exhibitor, and Juniors. Some will go to the extreme with very, very specific classes for Best Head, Best Movement, etc. All that is just what is offered for dogs to compete with each other. There is also a litany of other things to partake in at a specialty: health clinics, breeder seminars, grooming demos, and judges’ education, just to name a few.

Now, let’s do a deeper dive into why these events need to continue as viable offerings....read more here: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=360900

06/20/2026

Fear of loud noises is stressful for dogs and can limit activities they can enjoy. Here are some ways to help your dog feel safe.

06/20/2026

For those interested in supported entries, designated specialties, regional or national specialties associated with our shows June 5-6 (2nd cluster June 2-6) of 2027... it is time to notify of your interest and consider judges. We cannot promise judges but can accept recommendations.
Please PM here and your details will be forwarded to most appropriate people.

1st cluster is May 27-31 2027.
2nd cluster Jun 2-6 2027.
We will forward your info to the most appropriate club reps.

Please note that there will be hard premium deadlines for these special events so be aware that deadlines will be firm. (Don't be late for the deadlines provided!)

35.4273057, -82.5340679 paste into your mapping tool for the drive-in entrance gate.

06/18/2026

Look! Read. Regarding New World ScrewWorm. Look at akc page and internet sources.
Do your own homework!

Each US State has their own restrictions or requirements on interstate travel … with animals. These restrictions may include dogs. Check with AKC. Org for up to date information.


NEW WORLD SCREWWORM 2026—INTERSTATE ANIMAL MOVEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Compiled by AKC; updated daily, M-F, if needed. Please note that while every effort has been made to provide current information, laws and regulations often change. AKC makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information below. Please check official sources or contact the appropriate state agency for the most up-to-date information.

Emerging Issue: New World Screwworm—Impacts on Health, Interstate Travel with Dogs – American Kennel Club https://share.google/HL7AwdM1ThBmDdoRu

* * *

From internet:
The New World Screwworm (NWS) is a flesh-eating parasite that lays eggs in open wounds on warm-blooded animals. Following an outbreak in southwest Texas and New Mexico, the American Kennel Club (AKC) urges owners to regularly check dogs for wounds and to consult a vet if maggots are present.Outbreak StatusThe USDA confirmed the first U.S. cases in 60 years. Cases have been detected in cattle, goats, and dogs. Federal authorities are actively releasing sterile flies to control the spread.Warning Signs in DogsOpen wounds that are enlarging, bleeding, or giving off a foul odor.Presence of egg masses or maggots in wounds.Excessive licking, chewing, or distress at a specific site on the body.

Each US State has their own restrictions or requirements on interstate travel … with animals. These restrictions may include dogs. Check with AKC. Org for up to date information.


NEW WORLD SCREWWORM 2026—INTERSTATE ANIMAL MOVEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Compiled by AKC; updated daily, M-F, if needed. Please note that while every effort has been made to provide current information, laws and regulations often change. AKC makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information below. Please check official sources or contact the appropriate state agency for the most up-to-date information.

06/18/2026

Think about this. Over the course of 40+ years showing dogs, allowing a well socialized easy traveler that loves people to go be the king or queen of their own house with a new friend is beneficial. I show my own and not every one has a place in a breeding program after they win show titles. They're well loved here until their forever home appears but then go on (following neutering and whatever health testing needs to be done) to a new home as a homebody or a traveler with their new people. (One traveled the country in an RV... all the way to Alaska where they bough a small child's jacket to keep her warm and another that goes to Canada every year for cool summers.)
In the future people come back for #2 or 3 or more over the course of time... whether the one needs a buddy or becomes a senior and crosses the 🌈 bridge and it is time to have a new one.
Only one in that duration has come back and that due to the human's health deteriorating.

All go home with a written agreement with expectations amd cover the "what if" scenario... even with my bestest friends. Yes there is sometimes $ that change hands (the check is stuck to the refrigerator door for 2-4 weeks till I know they're happy where they are) to help with expenses and neuter surgery.) Some even come back to visit while their humans run away for vacations.
My (and your) dogs can be ambassadors of your breeding program(s) and can also become couch or yard ornaments, go on to compete in other venues (some do scentwork, rally, course), and others do therapy work... one noteworthy one of mine goes to hospitals, rehab facilities, and helps with stress relief for caregivers in emergency services (law, ems and hospital emergency department staff).

06/17/2026

AKC news update: NC Tethering Bill Amended.

https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/nc-update-tethering-bill-amended-questions-remain-contact-house-members-today/

June 17, 2026

Yesterday (June 16), the North Carolina Judiciary 1 Committee approved an amended bill regarding tethering and shelters for dogs which includes some positive amendments, but some concerns remain.

Thanks to the messages received by many AKC club members, the bill expanded exemptions to include more dog events and training, and activities such as grooming and veterinary exams. In addition, some provisions in these bills are reasonable and do protect dogs from being harmed while tethered or kept outside. However, other provisions remain unclear and may not be in the best interest of all dogs.

The amended bill now goes to the Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Committee.

North Carolina dog owners should BOTH contact the members of the House Rules Committee and their State Representative TODAY. Let them know that while well-intentioned, House Bill 657 contains some unclear and arbitrary provisions. Ask them to not allow H. 657 to pass as written, and to instead work with AKC, AKC clubs, law enforcement, and other stakeholders in the interim on effective, clear policies that truly help dogs in North Carolina. (Scroll down for contact information)

Summary of Amended Bill:

House Bill 657 as amended seeks to protect dogs by providing tethering and outdoor shelter requirements.

As introduced, the bill provided limited exemptions for dogs actively engaging in a lawful hunt, herding livestock, or farming agricultural products, or for owners walking a dog on a leash or complying with tethering requirements at a camping or recreational area. These exemptions are now expanded to include sledding, sporting, field trials, and other events, as well as training “where tethering or sheltering the dog in a particular manner is integral to those activities.”

Exemptions to the 15-foot tether requirement were also added for grooming, veterinary exams, restraint during transport, or dogs “engaged in training, shows, or competitions.”

AKC greatly appreciates these amendments, which were added after the committee heard from numerous AKC club members across the state. AKC also supports certain provisions (such requiring appropriate exercise, food and water appropriate for a dog’s age, condition and breed).



However, some questions/concerns remain, including:

Shelter requirements – The bill provides an extensive definition of “adequate shelter” and “adequate space”, including requiring that the dog be able to easily stand up, lie down, turn around, etc. It also requires a windbreak, proper flooring, and specific bedding material. While this is appropriate for a dog’s primary enclosure, this does not consider safe and temporary crating and transportation for dogs. The exemption for transportation is made for tethering/restraint, but it is unclear if it also applies to temporary crating. It also is unclear if dog owners must provide a separate shelter even if the dog primarily is kept in the home.

Specific temperature requirements – Additional requirements are included for when the temperature is above 85 degrees or lower than 32 degrees. This arbitrary mandate does not consider that dogs are not “one size fits all”. Some dogs can safely tolerate temperatures outside these ranges. Others may not be able to handle the extreme ends of these temperatures. Under this arbitrary proposal, owners would not be required to provide appropriate bedding in the dog’s shelter until the temperature is under 32 degrees or ensure the shelter does not readily conduct heat until the temperature reaches 85 degrees. More flexible requirements that require ensuring the health and safety of the dog can better protect all dogs.

Tethering – Except when walking your dog or the exemptions for shows and training mentioned above, anytime a dog is tethered to any stationary object, the tether must be 15 feet long or 4 times the length of the dog, whichever is greater. AKC appreciates that it states that a dog should not be tethered in a way that could cause harm. However, it is unclear what this means if a dog could get tangled in a tether this long, or it allows the dog to access an area that could be dangerous (such as a road) or go into a neighboring property.

Talking Points:

AKC strongly agrees that dogs should not be tethered or kept outside in any condition where health and safety are at risk. In addition, there are many provisions in these bills that are reasonable (for example, ensuring dogs have appropriate food and water, and that the tether is not so tight as to injure the dog), and AKC greatly appreciates the exemptions for dog events and training. However, the current proposal establishes arbitrary mandates that are not in the best interests of all dogs, particularly when partaking of outside activities.

Consider the following resources for talking points when contacting the committee:

Dogs Outdoors/Tethering Key Issue Page in the AKC Legislative Action Center AKC Responsible Policy Video – Arbitrary Temperature Requirements Can Harm DogsAKC Handout: Keeping Dogs Safe in Inclement Weather

What You Can Do:

North Carolina dog owners should BOTH contact the members of the House Rules Committee and their State Representative TODAY. Let them know that you appreciate the many reasonable amendments to this bill and support the goal of protecting dogs. However, House Bill 657 still contains some unclear and arbitrary provisions. Ask them to not allow H. 657 to pass, and to instead work with AKC, AKC clubs, law enforcement, and other stakeholders in the interim on effective, clear policies that truly help dogs in North Carolina.

1) Contact your State Representative, and be sure to mention you are a constituent. Use the link below to easily send a message to your State Representative:

Click here to send a message directly to your Representative.

2) Contact the Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Committee:

Rep. John R. Bell, IV, Chair (Wayne County)
[email protected]
919-715-3017

Rep. Tricia Ann Cotham, Vice Chair (Mecklenburg County)
[email protected]
919-733-5886

Rep. Brenden H. Jones, Vice Chair (Columbus, Robeson Counties)
[email protected]
919-733-5821

Rep. Erin Paré, Vice Chair (Wake County)
[email protected]
919-733-2962

Rep. Cynthia Ball (Wake County)
[email protected]
919-733-5860

Rep. William D. Brisson (Bladen, Sampson Counties)
[email protected]
919-733-5772

Rep. Becky Carney (Mecklenburg County)
[email protected]
919-733-5827

Rep. Carla D. Cunningham (Mecklenburg County)
[email protected]
919-733-5807

Rep. Allison A. Dahle (Wake County)
[email protected]
919-733-5755

Rep. Ted Davis, Jr. (New Hanover County)
[email protected]
919-733-5786

Rep. Jimmy Dixon (Duplin, Wayne Counties)
[email protected]
919-715-3021

Rep. Blair Eddins (Alexander, Wilkes Counties)
[email protected]
919-733-5935

Rep. Karl E. Gillespie (Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon Counties)
[email protected]
919-733-5859

Rep. Kyle Hall (Forsyth, Stokes Counties)
[email protected]
919-733-5609

Rep. Neal Jackson (Moore, Randolph Counties)
[email protected]
919-715-4946

Rep. Tim Longest
[email protected]
919-733-5773

Rep. Charles W. Miller (Brunswick, New Hanover Counties)
[email protected]
919-733-5830

Rep. Ray Pickett (Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga Counties)
[email protected]
919-733-7727

Rep. Renee Price (Caswell, Orange Counties)
[email protected]
919-715-3019

Rep. Reece Pyrtle (Rockingham County)
[email protected]
919-733-5779

Rep. Amos L. Quick, III (Guilford County)
[email protected]
919-733-5902

Rep. Robert T. Reives, II (Chatham, Randolph Counties)
[email protected]
919-733-0057

Rep. John A. Torbett (Gaston County)
[email protected]
919-733-5868

Rep. Steve Tyson (Craven County)
[email protected]
919-733-5853

Rep. Donna McDowell White (Johnston County)
[email protected]
919-733-5605

Rep. Shelly Willingham (Bertie, Edgecombe, Martin Counties)
[email protected]
919-715-3024



AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will continue to closely monitor this legislation and provide updates as they become available. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at [email protected].

Yesterday (June 16), the North Carolina Judiciary 1 Committee approved an amended bill regarding tethering and shelters for dogs which includes some positive amendments, but some concerns remain.