Purina instituted a unique program in 2002
when it began to look “outside the box” in order to help the future health and
well being of our beloved dogs. The Purina Parent Club Partnership is a program
that enables national parent breed clubs to earn funding for canine health
studies, education and/or rescue work.
To
participate in the PPCP, you must be a member of the Purina Pro Club. You also
must declare your participation in the program and specify that the Labrador
Retriever Club will receive credit as a result of your weight circle
redemption.
Almost $250,000 was donated by Purina at the Purina Charity Ball at the International Kennel Club of Chicago Dog Show on February 21, 2004, for fiscal year 2003. This money is divided between participating breed clubs and the AKC Canine Health Foundation. The monies going to the AKC CHF are earmarked for a donor-advised fund that is directed by each national club so that research can be targeted to issues specific to that breed. The other monies are available to the national club for use in education, rescue and/or funding additional research. It is important to note that the AKC CHF will match the funds received by them up to 100 percent, and this greatly increases the opportunity to fund breed-specific research.
How has LRC benefited
thus far?
The Labrador Retriever Club earned $19,022.83 in 2003 and a total of $33,088.83 from the inception of the program through 12/31/2003. In addition, $23,384.54 has been earned in the first quarter of 2004 for a grand total of $56,473.37 through 6/30/2004! Clearly this partnership with Purina and the LRC is providing a wonderful opportunity to do great work to benefit Labrador Retrievers.
LRC was among the initial clubs to recognize the PPCP as a worthwhile program that would benefit the future of our breed. Please encourage fellow Labrador lovers to declare for our breed and turn in those weight circles in order that our beloved dogs can benefit.
As there are approximately three Pro Club members declared for Labrador Retrievers to every one that redeems, there is a great opportunity to increase the amount of monies dedicated to improving our breed.
Does the Labrador Retriever Club distribute a membership
list to the PPCP?
No, all
participation in the program is voluntary and each Pro Club member must declare
for the breed of their choice. This declaration can be done by current Pro Club
members by notifying Pro Club at 1-877-PROCLUB or www.purinaproclub.com.
Will I lose points when I send in my weight circles for
redemption to the Purina Pro Club?
No, the
donation to the parent club is in addition to the normal Pro Club redemption
value.
Do I have to keep up with the credit that is going to my
breed club?
No, that
record keeping is automatically handled by the Pro Club.
What percentage is being designated for the Labradors or
any other breed club?
Ten percent of the value of the Pro Club redemption is donated to the designated parent club. For example, for every $100 worth of weight circles submitted by a Pro Club member, $10 will be donated to the LRC. This amount is divided evenly between the club and the AKC Canine Health Foundation donor-advised fund.
Can I designate another breed, or change my designation?
Yes, you may change your choice once a year if you choose to do so.
How do I declare my participation?
There are
several ways. You may declare either online (www.purinaproclub.com), call 1-877-776-2582 or sign up at a
Purina-sponsored dog show.
What happens to the portion that goes to the AKC Canine
Health Foundation?
Up to 100 percent of the donation will be matched by the Canine Health Foundation if it meets funding guidelines. The Foundation provides research funding for breed-specific health conditions as well as health conditions that affect all breeds. This money goes into a donor-advised fund that is directed by the LRC to address health issues of the Labrador Retriever.