What is the K-9 Drill Team?
The Flagstaff Kennel Club K-9 Drill Team was organized in the fall of 1992. This group of volunteers provides services to the community such as: performing in local parades providing pet therapy services through the Delta Society Pet Partners program offering educational presentations for clubs, school groups, and civic functions including obedience demonstrations and drills in their appearances providing community leadership through other dog-related activities

The canine members of the Drill Team have ranged in size from a Chihuahua to an Anatolian Shepherd. We also have several “All-American” mixed breeds in our group. All our dogs are beloved members of our families.

We are always happy to welcome new members.

For more information about the K-9 Drill Team or the Delta Society Pet Partners program, contact Elna Manges at (928) 774-6786.

On Parade
In 2005, the K-9 Drill Team performed in 17 parades, including the Flagstaff 4th of July parade, various Christmas light parades, and others in Williams, Prescott, Payson, and Winslow.

 

 

Therapy Dogs
Many members of the K-9 Drill Team are certified by the Delta Society to do Animal Assisted Activities/Animal Assisted Therapy in nursing homes, retirement homes, special needs classrooms, the Flagstaff Medical Center and the Verde Valley Medical Center.

The Caring Canines therapy program at Flagstaff Medical Center began in February 2000 and has been warmly welcomed by the Flagstaff community. Patients with a variety of conditions benefit from dog therapy. Many lives are touched and brightened by our loyal, hardworking canine friends.



Educational Programs
K-9 Drill Team members volunteer their time to promote education in schools, churches and community groups. Educational presentations cover topics such as:
• Responsible Dog Care
• Safety around Dogs
• Differences in Breeds
• Choosing the Right Dog for You
• Jobs that Dogs Do
• Therapy Dog Certification
• Careers with Dogs

These varied presentations were developed so that all age groups can learn about and better enjoy our canine friends. Presentations can be conducted indoors or outdoors for any size group.

Community Leaders
In addition to the many hours of service our drill team members put in for the events above, members and their dogs seek to promote the welfare as well as improve the image of dogs in general. Members work in local politics to enhance the welfare of all animals in our community. Several teach or assist in teaching obedience classes. Others volunteer in dog rescue efforts. Some of our dogs have demonstrated the value of obedience training by modeling canine fashions for Petsmart.

 

Award Winners!

Thanks to hours of practice and continual learning by the Drill Team members, both human and canine, the team has become recognized and sought after by many Arizona communities.

The Flagstaff Kennel Club K-9 Drill Team was awarded the AKC Community Achievement Award by the American Kennel Club in 2000 for service and education provided to the community.

Additional awards and recognition:
• Numerous parade awards from local cities
• Recognition in Arizona Highways
• Honor in many local newspapers