The German Shepherd Dog Club of Wisconsin started their PETS program in 1989. PETS stands for Promotion, Education, Therapy and Special Events. Through the PETS program, the club promotes the German Shepherd Dog by providing positive exposure in the community. This is accomplished in the following ways:

Promotion: Community parades offer great exposure for PETS participants to exhibit well-behaved, sound dogs, providing positive community exposure for the breed and club. Participants are able to demonstrate obedience exercises and allow interested spectators to pet the dogs.

Education: PETS participants regularly visit area schools and youth groups to demonstrate how to interact with, train and care for dogs.

Therapy: PETS participants visit area nursing homes and retirement centers where they conduct simple obedience demonstrations. More importantly PETS dogs and the residents interact through touch and companionship.

Special Events: PETS participants hold special demonstrations at fairs and other events promoting positive information about the breed and the club.

All members of the GSDCW with dogs of sound temperament and stable behavior are welcome and encouraged to participate in PETS events. Watch for announcements of upcoming events on this website, in the newsletter or in notices posted in the clubhouse.

Members of the PETS Committee are Diane Stefonich, Carol Lumley, Paulette Gallatin, Camille Labinski and Joe Ziino. If you have questions or want more information about this program, please contact any of the committee members.