The Spirit of Sharing (SOS) program is a new title class designed to recognize teams using canine freestyle as part of community service related demonstrations.
BACKGROUND
From its inception in 2007 to April 1, 2012, Spirit of Sharing was a non-titling, volunteer program intended to encourage sharing the sport of freestyle in one’s community. MDSA has automatically issued titles and title certificates to the dogs and handlers who have achieved one or more SOS title levels during this period. Complete details on earning points and obtaining SOS titles can be found on page 22 of the Performance Guidelines.
The following is a short summary.
EARNING SOS TITLE POINTS … class requirement overview
A qualifying leg in this class counts as one qualifying SOS visit in which freestyle is performed. A new title level is earned for every 15 qualifying legs. A qualifying “visit” is a freestyle performance at a community service event including, but not limited to:
Visits as part of an organized animal-assisted therapy group
Visits to hospitals and nursing homes
Educational demonstrations at schools, libraries, or preschools
Performances at Humane Society fund-raisers, rescue events, and other such demonstrations
There are no requirements as to the content, length or format of the freestyle performance, but it must include music and it must celebrate the MDSA freestyle vision and philosophy. In addition, there is no requirement to submit video or photos, as these may be prohibited at certain events due to health privacy laws. The only requirement is that the visits are tracked on the official log sheet. This is an honor system program, signatures or initials of a supervisor are not required at this time. As you reach each 15 visit milestone, send in the log sheet and entry form along with your entry fee to request approval for your title.
The only requirements are that each visit include the same dog and handler team, and these visits be recorded on the official MDSA SOS Log Sheet.
Same dog, same handler is required for each qualifying leg.
There is no time limit to complete the milestones for each level.
You can submit your log sheet and entry form at any time. They do not need to be submitted in conjunction with a special entry date, or a video event, or live event entry date.
TITLE LEVELS
Titles and title certificates will be issued for reaching the milestones as listed below.
15 Visits – SOS-15
30 Visits – SOS-30
45 Visits – SOS-45
60 Visits – SOS-60
HOW SOS TITLES ARE AWARDED
As you reach each 15-visit milestone, simply send your SOS Log Sheet and processing fee as detailed below to receive your title certificate.
entry form instructions
Mail your entry form, log and payment to:
Joann Monfort | 1170 N Wapak Road | Lima, OH 45807 | USAYou are encouraged to send a picture of you and your dog at each milestone level. The MDSA would like to congratulate your achievement online and on the next possible video event DVD. Do not send originals as they cannot be returned!
Send digital files to musicaldogsport@gmail.com.
Payment of entry fees
The entry fee is $20 USD ($15 MDSA Members) at every 15 visit milestone.
With PayPal (credit/debit)
Go to www.paypal.com and login.
Go to Send Money tab.
Send fee to musicaldogsport@gmail.com.
In the Subject or Message line add the event number, class entered, your name and your dog’s name (and your team’s name, if applicable).
Email your log sheet and entry form to musicaldogsport@gmail.com
SOS TITLEHOLDERS
Click here to view a list of SOS titleholders