GSDCA Announces Line-up for Friday October 11, 2013 Tribute to German Shepherd Dogs Service to America

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines Dogs and Handlers, Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Therapy Dogs Honored; UPenn Working Dog Vet Dr. Cynthia Otto to address group

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) announced today the line-up for its tribute to celebrate 100 years of German Shepherd Dogs service to America, which will take place at a ceremony beginning at 8:00 p.m. on the evening of Friday October 11, 2013 at Dream Park, in Swedesboro, NJ.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131004/DC91960)

"The evening of October 11 is shaping up to be a very special tribute to the many ways that German Shepherd Dogs serve our society and country in keeping us safe, and helping us make our everyday lives better", said Frank Fasano, President of the GSDCA. 

"Of all the 161 breeds of dog, the German Shepherd stands alone in its history and diverse and proven capabilities that have served our country now for 100 years. This is an incredible companion dog and we thought there would be no better way than to honor the many brave men and women who work side by side with German Shepherd Dogs as their partners in law enforcement, military duty, guiding the blind or providing therapy and other service to those in need," noted Fasano.

WHAT:  (OPEN TO THE MEDIA) Friday October 11, ceremony begins 8:00 p.m. sharp. NOTE*** Broadcast Media should be set by 6:30 p.m.  

WHO:   Master of Ceremonies -- David Frei, Director of Communications, Westminster Kennel Club; Keynote:  Dr. Cynthia Otto, DVM, Ph.D., DACVECC, Associate Professor of Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Founder of UPenn Working Dog Institute

HONOR CEREMONY

MILITARY

SEARCH and RESCUE - New Jersey Rescue & Recovery K-9 Unit with canines; Search & Rescue Dogs of PA  with canine; Ramapo Rescue Dog Association  with Canine

LAW ENFORCEMENT - 6 Officers and K-9 Partners from New Jersey State Police; Detective with drug enforcement K9 and other agencies.

GUIDE DOGS - Peggy Gibbon, Director of Canine Development The Seeing Eye, Morristown, NJ. Also Seeing Eye GSD from CT.

THERAPY DOG - Last surviving therapy dog -- 14 year old GSD served families impacted on 9/11

MEDICAL ALERT - German Shepherd Dog that Alerts to Seizures

In addition to honoring representative dogs and handlers from all branches of military service, the program also features Dr. Cynthia Otto, DVM, Ph.D., DACVECC, Associate Professor of Critical Care and founder of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine, who will deliver a keynote speech. 

"With over 600 people registered, this will be the largest single gathering in honor of the German Shepherd Dog's service to America in our history, said Nancy Harper-Mulvaney, Chair of the Centennial Celebration Committee. 

"GSDCA members dedicate their lives to preserving and enhancing this incredible breed of dog.  Through our breeders ethics, support of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, our up and coming junior handlers and charitable foundations and rescue organizations, we are committed to the longevity and future service of the German Shepherd Dog," noted Fasano.

REQUESTS FOR INTERVIEWS AND DEMONSTRATIONS can also be scheduled Oct 9-11 during the National Specialty Show at Dream Park. Contact: Allen Schaeffer at 301-514-9046 or [email protected].

More details are available on the Centennial website at www.germanshepherd100years.com.  

Click here for Directions to Dream Park, Swedesboro NJ (20 min from Philadelphia International Airport).

About the German Shepherd Dog Club of America

The GSDCA today represents over 3000 members in 94 individual clubs in 9 regions throughout the US, Alaska and Hawaii.   The GSDCA is a founding member Parent Club of the AKC® Canine Health Foundation, and the American German Shepherd Charitable Foundations both of which were organized to fund health research.  GSDCA members and regional clubs work to encourage responsible breeding, dog ownership, youth participation and education and to preserve the physical characteristics of the breed and to encourage the development of working abilities of the GSD.   More at www.gsdca.org

Contacts:
Allen Schaeffer, German Shepherd Dog Club PR 301-514-9046 
Frank Fasano, President, GSDCA  515-993-1932

SOURCE German Shepherd Dog Club of America