2007 AKC ACE Award Winners and Nominees

Each year, the AKC recognizes 5 incredible dogs and their owners by awarding Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE) in the categories of Exemplary Companion, Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Service, and Therapy.

The five recipients each receive engraved silver collar medallions and an $1,000 cash award at a presentation ceremony at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. A local presentation is also held for each recipient at an AKC dog show near their hometown.

The ARC extends congratulations to the nominees and winners for their outstanding accomplishments with their dogs!

2007 EXEMPLARY COMPANION WINNER

Rumor
owned by Francisco Sanguino & Steph Anderson
South Sioux City, NE

Rumor is a four-year-old Rottweiler belonging to teen-aged Francisco Sanguino. The pair has had much in common from the outset of their partnership. Both Rumor and Francisco came to foster parent Steph Anderson from difficult situations: Rumor had been returned to Steph by a previous owner after living in a neglectful situation and Francisco had come as a foster child with a troubled past. Francisco showered Rumor with affection and in return she has flourished, granting Francisco the kind of unconditional love she had previously been afraid to show. Together they learned to open their hearts to others.

Rumor guided Francisco to the sport of purebred dogs, which has allowed Francisco to become involved in many aspects of the sport -- Conformation, Junior Showmanship, Obedience and Rally. They have even become involved in therapy work. Steph had this to say about the inseparable pair: "Rumor, through everything she has taught Francisco and brought to his life, has changed this young man's life forever. He is looking to the future and making plans -- something he has never done before. Through unconditional love, Rumor gave him hope."

Francisco and Rumor at the Awards Presentation at the Eukanuba Invitational in Long Beach, CA.

Francisco and Rumor at the Awards Presentation at the Eukanuba Invitational in Long Beach, CA.

ACE Award Winners at the December 2007 Awards Presentation at the Eukanuba Invitational in Long Beach, CA.

2007 ACE Award Winners, Eukanuba Invitational in Long Beach, CA.

Congratulations Francisco & Rumor!

OTHER 2007 NOMINEES

COMPANION
Hawke
owned by Debra Carlson of Plymouth, MA

THERAPY
Legend
owned by Shawna Swanson of Glendale, AZ

COMPANION
Rex
owned by Shari Hoffman of Cary, IL

THERAPY
Rosco
owned by Angela Pleat of Akron, OH

2007 AKC ACE Award Winners