Dear Readers,

If all breeders, exhibitors, handlers, dog judges – and, by and large, everyone closely or remotely involved in the FCI’s dog shows and championships – know the exact denomination of our large federation, and even have knowledge of the city and country that are home to its global headquarters, not so long ago, not many inhabitants of Thuin and its neighbouring localities knew about the FCI and its corporate name. But things have changed a lot! The most significant burst in our local promotion scheme took place with the celebration of our Centenary in 2011, when our city was elevated to the status of Thuin, World Capital of Dogs. The latest large-scale campaign was conducted on the occasion of the inauguration of the new extension to our offices in 2015.

Besides, various “home-made events” were organised, that proved very successful and have originated involvement and commitment from an even broader knowledgeable audience:

• the dog walk in Thuin, which first took place in August 2015 and was in its second edition this year, in partnership with the city's Tourism Office ;
• the FCI's Cynothon, which premiered in September 2016 in collaboration with the city of Montigny-le-Tilleul. The day was so entertaining and the intended walk so interesting that the Mayor of Montigny-le-Tilleul, Mrs Knoops, has already “commissioned” us and her team to organise the second edition!
• at the invitation of the SPA of Charleroi, we were by their sides in Marcinelle and Courcelles on October 8th and 9th respectively, within the scope of the World Animal Day. There, we were given the opportunity to meet the animal welfare municipal councillors, with whom we hope to initiate various projects in the very near future.

Not only did the participants make the occasion successful: a whole team of reliable and effective partners has formed and consolidated around those joint projects for the promotion of our dogs. To them, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation and congratulations on their generosity and efficacy.

The print and broadcast media have also reported on us through various articles and press coverage, which allows us to enjoy an even greater reach to publicise the numerous activities we can engage in with dogs and the unrivalled positive difference those animals make in our everyday life.

A press review and pictures are available in the gallery of this newsletter.

These many opportunities have allowed the FCI to take yet further root in the local community. This is how the FCI goes the extra mile to Think global, act local ;-)

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our activities!

Marie Luna Durán
FCI Marketing & Public Relations Manager