On September 9, 2015, the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. ("LRC, Inc.") -- the parent club for the Labrador Retriever breed in the United States, announced that it was the recipient of the prestigious 2015 American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation President's Award, in honor of the support LRC, Inc. has provided toward important science-based canine research programs.
What many in the general populace do not know, or seem to overlook, is that purebred dog fanciers and breeders fund a great deal of research into canine health issues. This research, and progress toward the cures or treatments of the various studied ailments, benefit ALL dogs from every walk of life -- purebred, mixed breed, shelter pets, show dogs, etc.
Despite the fact that so many in this country are quick to vilify breeders and purebred enthusiasts, organizations like the LRC, Inc. and many other breed clubs, continue to quietly toil in the background, expending time, effort, and money toward programs such as scientific research into curing various canine diseases, as well as breed rescues, and health & welfare safety nets for sick dogs whose owners have fallen on hard times.
Congratulations to the LRC, Inc. on this well-deserved honor!