Date of Article: December 08, 2009

-- Lopina to Sign Posters at Long Beach Show;
Poster Available On-Site --

The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce that in celebration of its 125th anniversary, artist Louise Lopina, of San Clemente, California, was commissioned to create the 2009 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship commemorative poster.

"The commemorative painting contains 37 separate images reflecting the 125 year history of the AKC including early Catalog Covers, several of the first registered breeds, images from early bench shows, service dogs, and many other iconic images," Lopina explained. "It has been a real pleasure working with the AKC representatives in the selection of the images."

Lopina, who has garnered international recognition for her beautiful depictions of wildlife and landscapes says that she has "always admired purebred dogs and the artwork of masters such as Gustav Muss-Arnolt, Maud Earl, and Edmund Osthauf." She feels "honored to have been asked to create the oil painting commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the American Kennel Club."

A dog lover herself, Lopina will be signing posters at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on December 12th. Net proceeds from the poster sale will be donated to TAKE THE LEAD, a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to providing direct services, support and care for all qualified participants in the sport of dogs who suffer from the devastating realities of life-threatening or terminal illnesses.

"We are pleased to offer the proceeds to Take the Lead, an organization that has gone above and beyond in assisting members of our sport in times of need," said Gina DiNardo, Assistant Vice President of the AKC. "This is a great opportunity for dog lovers to take home a piece of the show and our history, while supporting a cause that gives back to the sport."

In celebration of AKC’s 125th anniversary, the show adopted an open format for 2009, allowing for breed classes in which championship points will be awarded. Dogs completing their championships at this event will receive a special rosette. The event is one of the most highly competitive and exciting events in the canine world. It is held in conjunction with the AKC National Obedience Invitational and AKC Agility Invitational, representing the culmination of a year of competition in three AKC sports: Conformation, Obedience and Agility. For more information about the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, please visit www.akc.org/aenc.