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

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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Freedom!

Freedom!

Dear Family, Friends, Fans and Abolish the Crate Federation Members, Happy Independence Day! Grady has some thoughts about freedom that he would like to share. Today I am busy perfecting my weave pole entry for agility so I am more than happy to let Grady guest blog....

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Dear Friends, Family, Fans, and Abolish the Crate Federation Members, It’s that time of year again - Mother’s Day - and Grady and I have spent much time trying to figure out what to get Mom this year. After much thought, I’ve decided to give Mom two cuddles a day for...

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Dog Time

Dog Time

Dear Friends, Family, Fans and Abolish the Crate Federation Members: Why do humans insist on have their dog wait to do fun things? Even when I prompt Mom to hurry up by barking in my crate or while walking into the agility ring or walking to the flyball area or...

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Biscuit Love

Dear Friends, Family, Fans and Abolish the Crate Federation Members, I confess I don’t pay much attention to the holidays, but Grady does, and nothing bugs him more than all the attention that Valentine’s Day receives. Rather than try to explain Grady’s position, I...

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New Year! Love You!

New Year! Love You!

Dear Friends, Family, Fans and Abolish the Crate Federation Members, Welcome 2021! It has been brought to our attention that many humans feel that the start of a new year should bring about changes, referred to as New Year’s resolutions. “New Year, New You,” seems to...

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Grady’s Letter to Santa

Grady’s Letter to Santa

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Now that’s out of the way, I would like to applaud you for the awesome gig you have going - I believe you have it all figured out. Here’s why: You are loved by children everywhere. You are around a large amount of toys...

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Grady, on the origin of “Thanksgiving”

Grady, on the origin of “Thanksgiving”

Dear family, friends, fans and Abolish the Crate Federation Members, Another year has flown by and the Thanksgiving season will soon be upon us. Every year I like to make a list of all the things I’m thankful for but Grady is a little miffed that his Holiday Feast for...

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