We are so excited to welcome the Irish Kennel Club as our latest Partner.

Their pride in their national breeds and long history is wonderful to see. When visiting them earlier this spring, President Sean Delmar shared with me some stories about their founder. It seems that the development of the IKC to some extent mirrored the challenges that were being faced by the country as a whole. Here is an excerpt from the History section of the IKC website.

"The freedom fighters who drove the club’s foundation reached across the political divide once again, electing independence opponent and dog lover Justice Henry Hanna as the Chairman."

Justice Hanna and the other founders included this in the new club's constitution:

Justice Hanna and his Kerry Blue Terriers :

And that statement is so like the charge to the Board in our IPFD statutes. It is meant to embody our intent that all outside politics, historical issues or grievances are left at the door and in here (IPFD) we are focused solely on our mission, vision and goals. Here it is all for the dogs.

Personally, I have not been that much of a history buff. However, as I travel around to our Partners and collaborators it is evident that the dog world not only is a reflection of society but it also highlights the nature of people and cultures.

A headline for a recent article on bbc.com caught my eye: Why do people love pets? Can't really recommend the article, although it raised some interesting points. For example, the diversity in attitudes across countries; the controversies about the anthrozoological basis for our relationship with animals; etc. Most of us in the dog world do not spend a lot of time thinking about why we love animals... just as we don't think about why we love our family or why we get hungry. But as we address issues in health, well-being and welfare of dogs on an international level, we must remember the context for our animals is related to country, culture, and so much more.

Phew...a lot of philosophy. That too might be the Irish influence! Welcome!