Welcome to Dawson’s Corner

Observations from the Dog Side

Dawson Huntley, CEO of the Abolish the Crate FederationPeople say they wonder what their dogs are up to while they’re away and I’m no different. Granted, I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it but just the other day I came across some information that surprised me.

Many of you know I train my dogs to compete in agility. Grady has been competing for a few years now and Dawson is continuing to learn stuff so he can eventually compete. Both of them love training and have a good work ethic. And both of them hate to miss out on any fun that the other one might be having. Dawson, in particular, really hates to miss anything.

How do I know this? Because there was a long, long, long period of time when Dawson would bark in his crate while I trained Grady (or some other dog). And not just your average, run-of-the-mill barking. Oh no. What good would that do? Dawson’s bark is L-O-U-D loud with a pitch that is as irritating as nails on a chalkboard. Insistent and impossible to ignore, Dawson’s bark could make a grown man cry. For the longest time nothing could silence him although I am pleased to report that lately he has been very good in his crate. Perhaps Dawson has accepted his fate, I thought.

I was wrong.

Apparently, Dawson has started a movement. It’s called Abolish the Crate Federation and it is very popular among our canine companions.

I knew Dawson wasn’t thrilled about being crated during agility training but I really had no idea how strongly he felt about it. I found organizational documents, personal correspondence, fund raising ideas, minutes from board meetings, and so forth. Since Dawson has such strong opinions, I’ve decided to give him his own blog to express himself.

Welcome to, “Dawson’s Corner, observations from the dog-side.”

The AtCF Board

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The AtCF Manifesto

It's all about freedom. Freedom to be.

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Dawson’s Corner

Happy 1st Birthday to Jones!

Happy 1st Birthday to Jones!

Dear Friends, Family, Fans and Abolish the Crate Federation Members, Happy Birthday to Jones! Jones turns one year old this month, so I asked if he would reflect on his first year of life. He quickly agreed to be a guest blogger. Jones apparently had a lot to say,...

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2023’s New Years Resolutions

2023’s New Years Resolutions

Dear Friends, Family, Fans and Abolish the Crate Federation Members, 2022 is now a distant memory and the time has come for us to make some New Year’s resolutions. As many of you know, Grady doesn’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions because his philosophy is to...

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Jones’ First Letter To Santa

Jones’ First Letter To Santa

Happy Holidays to friends, family, fans and Abolish the Crate Federation Members! It’s another holiday first for Jones! I don’t have much to say about Santa (although, as you recall, I have a solid friendship with Dasher, his fastest reindeer!) but Grady just adores...

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Jones Learns About Thanksgiving!

Jones Learns About Thanksgiving!

Dear Friends, Family, Fans and Abolish the Crate Federation Members, Thanksgiving is soon upon us and normally Grady insists on writing all blogs that in any way, shape, or form involves food. However, this is Jones’ first Thanksgiving and we all agreed that this...

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Let Freedom Ring!

Let Freedom Ring!

Dear Friends, Family, Fans and Abolish the Crate Federation Members, Happy July 4th! Let freedom ring! (but no fireworks, please). I overheard Grady explaining to Jones about the fourth of July holiday. Jones seemed particularly interested in the freedom aspect which...

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Jones’ Journey Home

Jones’ Journey Home

Dear Friends, Family, Fans and Abolish the Crate Federation Members, This is a very special blog for Grady and I! We are very happy to introduce you to our newest family member who is also our blogger this month. You know how I dislike wasting time so I’ll let him get...

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Searching for the Easter Bunny

Searching for the Easter Bunny

Dear Friends, Family, Fans and Abolish the Crate Federation Members, I am asking for a volunteer to help me deliver some rather unwanted news. It has been an unusual week here. Grady came up with an idea for another treat delivery system and it has about wore me out...

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On Dasher!

On Dasher!

Dear Friends, Family, Fans, Abolish the Crate Federation Members and supporters of Santa Claus, Happy Holidays! I have often thought that the general public has a tendency to overlook the important role of Santa’s support staff. After all, without their help, Santa...

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Giving Thanks for the T.A.P.

Giving Thanks for the T.A.P.

Dear Friends, Family, Abolish the Crate Federation Members and Fans, Grady’s favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, is soon upon us. As many of you know, Grady is a popular food/treat blogger and has devoted a significant amount of his time promoting ways to encourage humans...

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