NYS 4-H Dog Photo, Poetry and Video Contests

Deadline for State 4-H Dog Photo, Poetry and Video Contests – July 19, 2010
Theme in 2010 Is “Canine Global Impact”

The NYS 4-H Dog Program calls on youth affiliated with any CCE 4-H youth development program in New York to submit original photos, poetry and videos to an annual contest promoting youth capacity.

This year, the theme highlights the role dogs play in the family, the community, and the world. These roles include companions in times of stress and good times. Dogs work to meet the demands of growing health, safety and security concerns in the community and global venues. Population issues concern consumers and lawmakers. Entries may be serious or humorous as long as the subject matter includes a domestic canine. Did you know in 2009 the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets reported that there were over 800,000 licensed dogs in our state? That does not count New York City, which has a separate licensing department. It also excludes unlicensed dogs.

“For the past 4 years, we have discovered some amazing youth talent in New York,” says Dana Palmer, extension associate in the Department of Animal Science at Cornell. "We recognize the valuable contributions today's youth offer to help our communities engage in problem solving discussions. We look forward to seeing the students' creativity and new ideas."

Selected entrants will have an opportunity to have their work viewed by the public at the New York State Fair August 26-September 6, 2010 in the Youth Building at the Cynology (Dog Science) Display. In 2008 and 2009, quality youth photo and poetry entries became part of a 12-month calendar.

This is the first year a video contest has been added. The goal of these contests is to create messages that will inspire community involvement, educate the public about pet population issues and help share youth passion, creativity and ideas with others. Dog ownership is not required. Youth who have an interest and understanding of pet population issues can bring people together. These contests are sponsored by the Department of Animal Science in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program. No county qualifying procedures are required.

Entry forms and official rules for each contest can be found here: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/4H/dogs/index.html