March Dog Madness (MDM), the annual statewide 4-H Dog Leader Training Program, will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Cornell. 

A tentative schedule and  registration form will be posted soon! Check after Feb 1. http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/4H/dogs/MarchDogMadness/index.html   

For those travelling from a distance,  a few rooms have been blocked at the Ramada Ithaca, 2310 N. Triphammer Rd, Ithaca, NY  14850.  Phone number is: (607) 257-3100.  The link is:  http://www.ramada.com/hotels/new-york/ithaca/ramada-ithaca-executive-conference-center/hotel-overview These rooms will be held until March 1.

The theme for 2014 is TEAM WORK. Each participant may pre-select (2) different workshops from a menu of canine related topics, from critical care to community outreach. This annual conference is an opportunity to bring adult and teen volunteers together with community experts to increase knowledge and awareness of the value of science based information on local CCE/4-H dog training programs.  Instructors include university, extension and industry representatives. New and experienced volunteers will walk away with tools and tips they can use at the local level.

Everyone will have an opportunity to attend a keynote presentation on “Working Dogs” by animal geneticist, Dr. Heather Huson. Dr. Huson is our newest faculty member in the Department of Animal Science in CALS. She obtained her PhD from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and has extensive personal experience with Alaskan Sled Dogs! Our closing will also feature an audience participation Dog Bowl for everyone, facilitated by adult and teen 4-H leaders in NY.

Paid registrations are due March 7 to reserve a spot.  $25/person covers workshop materials and lunch.  Each concurrent workshop is limited to 20 participants.

Agenda items for the spring NYS 4-H Dog advisory committee meeting (to be held during lunch this year) are required in writing by March 7. Please send those to Dana Palmer dlp10@cornell.edu    

Need directions to plan your trip to Ithaca? Go to www.visitithaca.com   for area travel and tourism information.

Need a Cornell Campus Map?  Got to:  www.cornell.edu/maps