The Cane Corso Association of America has a new Regional VP for their southern region and that lucky individual is none other than yours truly. The CCAA Board of Directors approved my nomination for the position during their March board meeting. My primary mission will be to organize and oversee the Meet the Breed exhibition during the AKC National Championship held annually in Orlando FL. I will also be tasked with laying the groundwork for a Cane Corso Club of Central Florida. Central Florida has a large number of cane corso breeders and enthusiasts and we think we can make strides for the breed if we can bring these people together in an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the breed. It's no small task and a lot of hurdles will need to be cleared before that can happen but the time and effort required will pay big dividends in the long run for everyone that wants to see the breed grow and prosper.

We're all volunteers at the CCAA. Most of us have full time jobs but we are all willing to spend what free time we have to advance the interests of the breed. These magnificent animals have been around for almost 2,000 years and we want to make sure they will be around for another 2,000 years. Together we can make that happen but only if we step up and make sure our voices are heard. I hope that I can contribute in this effort and I look forward to bringing together corso lovers from all across central Florida in this noble endeavour. 

Cheers,

Mark Avellino

Maria and two of our girls hit the streets of DeLand in the annual dog parade. Waving to the crowds as the Queen of Hearts while Varda and Nessa strutted along beside her as her foot soldiers, Maria took point for the West Volusia Kennel Club contingent as they hammed it up with their four legged friends. The theme was famous fairy tales and the all the members and their dogs were dressed up as their favorite characters. Besides the Queen of Hearts there was Peter and the Wolf, Peter Pan, Robin Hood, Rapunzel, the Little Mermaid, and many other childhood classics. A nice overcast sky kept things cool for all the people and dogs in costum and thousands of spectators cheered them on as they made their way through the heart of DeLand. Next year the theme will be famous movies. I can't wait to see what Maria comes up with for that. She loves dress up!