Released: June 01, 2001

Mount Hope Man Earns State 4-H Award

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Dog lovers usually are devoted to their pets. One dog lover in Kansas is, however, being honored for his dedication to other dog owners. He has been referred to as "Mr. 4-H Dog Judge" or "Kansas 4-H Dog Care & Training Project Super Volunteer," but his real name is Keith Neuway. He lives in Mount Hope, Kan.

Neuway’s award – the Kansas 4-H Department Citation for Outstanding Service – honors contributions to 4-H youth development programs and the young citizens they serve.

"Keith Neuway has made a difference – his leadership as a 4-H volunteer has benefitted thousands of 4-Hers," said Gary Gerhard, Kansas State University Research and Extension assistant director and state leader, 4-H youth development. "He is recognized nationally as a dog showman, but when his dog, Puff, became the first dog in Kansas to be certified by Therapy Dogs International, he invested his energies in trying to teach others – including 4-Hers – about the benefits of therapy dogs. Thanks to his efforts, people in communities around the state are able to enjoy encouragement that only such a pet can bring."

In addition to dog therapy project development, Neuway also has served as a member of the "Dog Care & Training Notebook" design team. As such, he helped outline, write, edit, review, and test almost every lesson in the book.

He also helped revise the "Kansas 4-H Dog Show Rule Book;" "Kansas 4-H Dog Judges’ Guidelines;" and "Kansas 4-H Agility Dog Show Rule Book." And, he has been instrumental in the revision of judge’s score sheets for dog showmanship and obedience, and developed a training program to certify 4-H dog show judges. To date, nearly 100 judges have been certified.

"Neuway’s efforts have been particularly beneficial to 4-Hers who, as young pet owners, are learning the benefits – and responsibilities – of pet ownership. It is a pleasure to thank him for his interest and dedication, and to honor him for his success," said Gerhard, who presented the award at the Emerald Circle Scholarship & Awards Banquet in Manhattan May 31.

For more information on the therapy dog or other 4-H dog projects, interested persons may contact the local K-State Research and Extension office.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson, Communications Specialist
npeterso@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News