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In fall 2005, Ann began campaigning for the German Shepherd Dog to become the next state symbol of New York. Currently there are 14 symbols for New York State such as the state fruit: apple. Lettis does not own a German Shepherd; she's a fancier of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and has also owned and shown Boxers. So why pursue the German Shepherd to be the State's dog symbol?
Ann Lettis: Shepherds represent the kind of breeds that have served this country. They are a loyal, protective and versatile breed that can herd, guard, search and rescue. They are also the perfect companion animal. For me, there's a quality about the German Shepherd that matches the underpinning qualities of New York and its diversity. This is the go-to dog used by police and military. They also have a special bonding with the Monks of New Skete who reside in upstate New York. For over 35 years the New Skete monks have dedicated themselves to a breeding program that provides the best possible companion dog for individuals and families. Their best selling books: The Art of Raising a Puppy, How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend and I and Dog embody spiritualistic elements, that for me, adds to the German Shepherd's appeal. The Monks of New Skete, like many of us, are drawn to the German Shepherd's excellence in temperament,
personality and overall physicality. The breed's seamless blend of utility balanced with its sheer depth of courage best symbolizes New York State. Shepherd's are team players. Their personality encourages and invites fair play alongside a strong belief in principles. When asked to serve their nation under difficult and challenging circumstances, they do so as confident leaders that will get the job done.
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Ann's quest to have the German Shepherd Dog become the state pooch of New York is not her only purebred passion. She is also a leading voice in helping people better understand the bully breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Billie D, her prized bully (Staffordshire Bull Terrier), is a true cover dog and has had more than 15 minutes of fame. She's featured in the AKC's video, "Safety Around Dogs."
ON COVER: Billie D.
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Lettis is a Canine Ambassador for the American Kennel Club. In her role, she volunteers to visit schools, camps, Scout troops and other youth organizations, usually with her dog. On site she teaches children about purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership. The kids also learn about events and programs sponsored by the American Kennel Club.
However, the most important part exemplified in the demonstrations by Ann and her Staffordshire Bull Terriers, is safety that builds confidence. Also, the fun and inviting setting encourages future dog owners to discover the importance of dedicated and caring ownership necessary for the welfare of their pet.
A.L.: Most important to me in volunteering my time as a Canine Ambassador is to educate children on dog safety. Inside the auditorium, there's an opportunity to provide children with the 411 on how to safely approach their first-time dog encounter. Often the biggest mistake is the inclination to rush up to them; dogs don't like that.
Once a little girl, sitting way back in the room during a safety demonstration at a school, raised her hand and volunteered to pet Mickey, another one of my AmStaffs (American Staffordshire Terrier).
The girl came on stage and asked if she could pet Mickey. Sure, I responded and then said, "Oh, you must like dogs or have one of your own."
"No, I don't have a dog. I'm afraid of dogs."
"You're afraid of dogs? So why did you volunteer to say hello to Mickey?"
"Because you showed me what to do."
Even though this child had a real fear of dogs, she understood that not all of them are uncontrollable. She saw another side of the animals and that gave her confidence. A very important part of the program is talking to children who are afraid. I know what it's like to be afraid of a dog.
When Ann was a little girl she had a fear of dogs that began at the age of 4.
She shared her childhood experience with Elizabeth Hendrickson of AKC Family Dog Magazine.
A.L.: We were visiting our cousins and their landlord had a little dog in the backyard. I wanted to go see it. The landlord had just put down a bowl of food for the pet, and I thought I'd be kind to the dog by pushing the bowl closer to him. That's when he went to bite my hand. Even though it was a small dog, I was little and became petrified.
Lettis' fear of dogs ended during her senior year of high school when a friend of her older brother's came to their house with his Boxer, Muggsy. Every time Ann went to another room Muggsy followed.
Lettis found this endearing and as time when by, she became less and less frightened.
A.L: Muggsy was following me because he seemed to like me. I started to realize that there are dogs that really like people. Boxers became a part of my world as did Bully breeds.
WOOF Patrol: German Shepherds also seem to be close to your heart.
A.L.: The initiative to have the German Shepherd become the New York State dog and be added as its symbol has received a warm reception from dog fanciers of other breeds. The public is aware that over 200 search and rescue (SAR) canine teams
2/03/06 - Assemblyman Vincent Ignizio announcing Assembly bill A09300
Photo courtesy of the American Kennel Club
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were working 24/7 on 9/11 and for months afterwards. Most SARs were German Shepherds. The breed's kinship remains deeply embedded into the hearts of America and especially those living in New York State. Assemblyman Vincent Ignizio, first introduced the bill (A09300) and we are pleased that Senator Andrew J. Lanza has now become involved with the process.
W.P.: What can people do to champion this K-9 endeavor?
A.L.: Email or write a letter to Senator Andrew J. Lanza and let him know you'd like to see this happen.
LEND A PAW:
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has always understood the need for search and rescue dogs. After 9/11, AKC saw that more needed to happen. They established DOGNY, a public art initiative. DOGNY helps raise funds for the four-legged first responders and their brave handlers. Dennis Sprung, Chief Operating Officer of the AKC and creator of DOGNY, states on the AKC website: "The events of September 11 brought to the public's attention the valuable work that search and rescue teams perform on a regular basis. It is our hope that the DOGNY project will serve as a tribute to the tireless efforts of these canine teams and raise the funds needed to help them continue their efforts."
Over 100 uniquely painted sculptures were displayed throughout the five boroughs of New York City on the first anniversary of September 11th. Artist and sculptor Robert Braun was commissioned for the project and chose the German Shepherd as the symbol for DOGNY. The Meisner Gallery informed us that Braun was drawn to the breed's intelligence, size and agility, recognizing also that it is the most widely used canine in search and rescue efforts.
On December 16, 2002 Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared December 16, 2002 "DOGNY Day" in the city of New York. Let's get our tails moving to help Ann Lettis reach her pursuit in making the German Shepherd the State Dog of New York. Ask Governor Elliot Spitzer, Senator Andrew J. Lanza, Mayor Bloomberg, other politicians, dog enthusiasts and fanciers and others that you know to get their bark on about a pawsitive effort. The German Shepherd deserves to become the New York State Dog.
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