The Isle of Man as a whole has a strong sense of community and this is reflected in the way we run our club. Monies generated by training fees and subscriptions are held and used either for the benefit of the club and its members or for the benefit of the wider community. Examples of this are:
- We have a wide range of trophies which we present every year to selected members. These awards cover many different aspects of dog training and ownership such as “Handler of the Year”, “Best Puppy”, “Best Rescue” and “Best Buddy”. We are particularly keen to encourage younger members and have four trophies specifically for junior handlers. Winners of all awards hold the large trophies for a year and also receive a replica trophy to keep forever.
- Each year we ask members to nominate an Island-based charity to benefit from our Annual Fun Dog Show. This is held on the second Sunday of July and includes many Breed and Fun Classes. Proceeds from the show are donated to the nominated charity, which for 2021 is Paws for Therapy Isle of Man.
- The club covers the cost of the trophies and large number of rosettes that are handed out. Over the past twenty years these shows have raised in excess of £17,000 for charity. Recipients have included The Search and Rescue Dog Association (Isle of Man), Southern Befrienders, MHA, Hyperbaric Chamber, Riding for the Disabled, M.S.P.C.A., Greyhound Aid League, Paws for Therapy and Manx Muscular Dystrophy. Our shows are always wonderfully supported by local businesses who donate raffle prizes and members of the public who not only donate prizes but help to make the day a success by buying raffle tickets and entering classes. The Fun Show is always popular and many dogs go home sporting a rosette!
- One of our aims is to promote responsible dog ownership and, with this in mind, we have sponsored several public “dog poo bins” to encourage people to clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste in an appropriate place.